The tragic events began around 8:20am near the intersection of Union and Ash streets, just two blocks from the downtown courthouse. Police said Rachael Martinez, 31, and Jose Medina, 39, were ambushed while sitting in their parked car. Both victims were fatally shot - Medina reportedly sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his torso, while Martinez was shot in the head. Witnesses described the gunman fleeing the scene on foot, wearing a green shirt and blue jeans.
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| A photo of the purported suspect fleeing the scene. |
Authorities identified the suspected shooter as 26-year-old Christopher Farrell, a former security guard who had a brief romantic relationship with Martinez. Court documents reveal that the couple had recently sought restraining orders against Farrell following allegations of domestic violence, false imprisonment, and sexual assault. Martinez and Medina were scheduled to attend a 9 a.m. hearing to seek a permanent restraining order against Farrell. 
Martinez alleged in her restraining order application that Farrell became violent after she ended their brief relationship. She reported the incident to police in early October, prompting officers to secure an emergency protective order and attempt to serve Farrell at his workplace. However, Farrell had already been terminated from his job as a contract security guard for the Metropolitan Transit System. It remains unclear whether Farrell was officially served with the restraining orders before the shooting.
Approximately an hour after the initial shooting, a passerby spotted Farrell hiding behind an electrical box near Kettner Boulevard and Juniper Street in Little Italy. Harbor Police officers approached Farrell, who allegedly used the electrical box as a shield before opening fire. One officer was struck in the hip, while two bullets hit a patrol car. Two other officers returned fire, striking Farrell multiple times.
The shootout lasted less than 90 seconds, according to police. Farrell was transported to a hospital but died less than an hour later. Investigators recovered a semi-automatic handgun, an empty magazine, three loaded magazines clipped to Farrell’s pants, multiple folding knives, and a tactical flashlight at the scene.
Martinez and Medina leave behind four children, ranging in age from 3 to 15 years old. The couple had been together for 12 years, and Medina, a construction foreman, was described as a devoted father who treated Martinez’s two older children as his own. Martinez worked as a private home caregiver.
Family members gathered at a growing memorial near the scene of the shooting, lighting candles and placing flowers in memory of the couple.
"They didn’t deserve this," said Raul Medina, Jose’s brother, at a family vigil. "My brother fought to keep his family together. He loved them so much."
Martinez’s sister, Charlene Martinez, expressed grief over the loss of her younger sister and brother-in-law. "I hugged my little nephews and carried them home last night. They don’t have their mom or dad to kiss them goodnight anymore," she said, noting that she and her husband are now caring for the four children.
Martinez and Medina leave behind four children, ranging in age from 3 to 15 years old. The couple had been together for 12 years, and Medina, a construction foreman, was described as a devoted father who treated Martinez’s two older children as his own. Martinez worked as a private home caregiver.
Family members gathered at a growing memorial near the scene of the shooting, lighting candles and placing flowers in memory of the couple.
"They didn’t deserve this," said Raul Medina, Jose’s brother, at a family vigil. "My brother fought to keep his family together. He loved them so much."
Martinez’s sister, Charlene Martinez, expressed grief over the loss of her younger sister and brother-in-law. "I hugged my little nephews and carried them home last night. They don’t have their mom or dad to kiss them goodnight anymore," she said, noting that she and her husband are now caring for the four children.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl praised the swift response of officers but acknowledged the emotional toll of the incident. "This morning, we’re filled with a lot of emotion - empathy for the victims, gratitude that this wasn’t worse, and resolve to find answers," he said.
The injured Harbor Patrol officer, a recent hire and former San Diego Police Department employee, underwent surgery and is in stable condition. The names of the officers involved in the shootout have not been released.
As the investigation continues, authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward. Police Chief Wahl assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
This tragic incident has left a family shattered, a community grieving, and unanswered questions about the events that led to this devastating outcome.
The injured Harbor Patrol officer, a recent hire and former San Diego Police Department employee, underwent surgery and is in stable condition. The names of the officers involved in the shootout have not been released.
As the investigation continues, authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward. Police Chief Wahl assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
This tragic incident has left a family shattered, a community grieving, and unanswered questions about the events that led to this devastating outcome.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Originally published on November 13, 2024.
