Authorities have identified the victims of the Little Italy shooting as Rachael Martinez and Jose Medina, a married couple on their way to a restraining order hearing against the suspect. The tragic incident took place on Union St., where the couple was found shot in their car and pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, Christopher Farrell, who had a previous relationship with Martinez, fled the scene after the shooting. Witnesses provided a description of Farrell, leading the police to locate him hiding behind an electrical box. When approached by officers, Farrell fired at them, injuring one Harbor Police officer. In the exchange of gunfire, Farrell was shot multiple times and later died in the hospital.
During the investigation, authorities found a semi-automatic handgun, expended casings, knives, and other items on Farrell’s person. It was also revealed that Martinez had filed a police report against Farrell for domestic violence and other crimes prior to the incident. Despite an emergency protective order being issued against Farrell, the case did not immediately move forward due to insufficient evidence.
Martinez had been granted a temporary restraining order against Farrell days before the shooting, but it is uncertain if he had been served with the order. The injured officer is currently recovering in the hospital and has not been identified publicly. The two officers who fired their weapons have been with the Harbor Police for several years.
The investigation into the case is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers. The tragic events leading to the deaths of Martinez and Medina serve as a reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of taking action to prevent such incidents in the future.
