Authorities have released dramatic footage of a deadly shootout in San Diego’s Little Italy last month, where police confronted a man suspected of killing two people. The incident, captured on body cameras and by bystanders’ cell phones, shows a tense and chaotic scene on the morning of November 13.
The suspect, 26-year-old Christopher Farrell, allegedly shot and killed his ex-girlfriend, Rachael Martinez, 31, and her husband, Jose Medina, 39, as they sat in a car on Union Street, just three blocks from the downtown San Diego County courthouse. Tragically, both victims died at the scene.
Not long after the double homicide, officers from the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department encountered Farrell on West Juniper Street near Kettner Boulevard. A bystander had flagged them down, pointing out Farrell, who was reportedly hiding behind a large electrical utility box. As four officers approached, Farrell opened fire, injuring Officer Patrick Lynch in the hip. The wounded officer is seen collapsing in the footage.
Other officers immediately returned fire, killing Farrell during the exchange. The entire confrontation lasted less than 90 seconds, according to investigators.
Videos released by authorities, including an 8-minute clip posted online, provide a closer look at the encounter. While Farrell himself is not clearly visible in the bodycam footage, a bystander’s video shows a man aiming a gun from behind the utility box. Investigators later recovered a semiautomatic handgun, shell casings, knives, and an empty ammunition magazine at the scene.
The events leading up to this tragic day reveal a troubling history. Martinez had recently accused Farrell, a former security guard, of domestic violence, including false imprisonment and sexual assault. On November 7, just days before her death, Martinez was granted a temporary restraining order against Farrell. However, it’s unclear if Farrell had been officially served with the order. The couple had reportedly parked near the courthouse to attend a hearing about the restraining order when the attack occurred.
San Diego police say Farrell fled the scene of the double homicide and headed north on Ash Street, reloading his weapon as he went. Officers launched an urgent manhunt, with helicopters circling the area and broadcasting Farrell’s description. The confrontation that ended Farrell’s life unfolded less than an hour later.
This tragic series of events has left a community grieving and raises ongoing questions about domestic violence and public safety.
