Shooting Erupts Near San Diego Courthouse, Killing Couple

A San Diego courthouse became the backdrop for a tragic scene involving the fatal shooting of Rachael Martinez and her husband, Jose Medina.

At a Glance

Married couple Rachael Martinez and Jose Medina were shot and killed near a San Diego courthouse.
The alleged shooter, Christopher Farrell, was a former boyfriend of Martinez.
The shooting occurred while the couple was likely heading to a restraining-order hearing against Farrell.
Farrell was later located by police, where he engaged in a shootout with officers, resulting in his death.

Tragic Shooting Near Courthouse

On the 1300 block of Union Street, close to the bustling downtown courthouse in San Diego, Rachael Martinez and Jose Medina were fatally gunned down. This lethal attack took place as they were, investigators believe, on their way for a scheduled restraining-order hearing concerning Christopher Farrell, Martinez’s former boyfriend. The courthouse they neared symbolizes justice and protection, which they sadly did not reach in time.

Christopher Farrell, who allegedly committed the heinous crime, quickly fled the scene after the shooting, pausing only to reload his weapon. The incident left the couple dead at the location. Their sudden death left four children, aged 3 to 15, without parents. San Diego’s community showed its support by setting up a memorial at the site with candles, flowers, and personal tributes.

Pursuit and Final Stand-off

After the shooting, officers launched a search for Farrell, culminating in a confrontation in the Little Italy neighborhood. A bystander helped officers locate Farrell, leading to a gunfire exchange during which Farrell allegedly opened fire, injuring one officer in the hip. In response, officers returned gunfire and mortally wounded Farrell. San Diego police chief Scott Wahl praised the officers for their rapid and courageous action, stating, “[The officers’] ability to run toward gunfire and courageously engage this individual, I believe, saved lives.”

The entire confrontation lasted a brief minute and a half, ending with Farrell being transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. Farrell’s nearby abandoned vehicle was retrieved by the authorities for investigation. The resilient officer, meanwhile, was treated for his bullet wound and is expected to make a full recovery.

Background and Investigation

The tragic sequence of events was paved by Farrell’s history with Rachael Martinez. Farrell faced complaints from Martinez for alleged domestic violence, including accusations of false imprisonment and other offenses. Martinez had secured a temporary restraining order against Farrell, intended to be solidified at the hearing scheduled for that very day. Had their intention been to seek judicial safety, “It appears likely that Martinez and Medina had arrived near the courthouse for the purpose of attending the restraining-order hearing,” as stated by SDPD Lt. Jud Campbell.

Since his connection to the couple ended, Farrell experienced significant life changes, including termination from his job as a security guard and the confiscation of his work firearm. Resources indicate that SDPD has appealed for additional public support and information to bolster their ongoing investigation, while assuring the grieving families of Rachael Martinez and Jose Medina of their support in these difficult times.