SAN DIEGO — Family members gathered Thursday to leave flowers at the spot where Jose Medina, 39, and his wife Rachael Martinez, 31, were murdered outside the downtown courthouse on Wednesday morning.
The couple, who were raising four children between the ages of 3 and 15, had arrived for a restraining order hearing against 26-year-old Christopher Farrell when they were shot inside their vehicle.
"They're not okay. They're heartbroken, they can't believe their mom, they're not home," said Charlene Martinez, Rachael's sister, when asked about the children.
Farrell, the alleged gunman, later engaged in a shootout with Harbor Police officers in Little Italy. He died at the hospital. A Harbor Police officer was shot in the hip and is recovering.
Court documents reveal a possible motive for the double murder. Martinez had filed a restraining order against Farrell after he allegedly sexually assaulted her inside a rental trailer in Paradise Hills, following what she described as a brief affair.
In light of the tragedy, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office addressed safety concerns for domestic violence victims attending court hearings.
A spokesperson stated via email:
"It can be arranged for individuals seeking a restraining order to appear remotely unless otherwise ordered by a court to appear in person. It's up to a judge whether or not to allow a remote hearing and such hearings are our office's preference when possible. The DA's One Safe Place has a remote 'courtroom,' for example, where victims can remain in a safe and secure location while appearing remotely for court hearings."
The family is holding a vigil Friday evening at Union and Ash Streets downtown. The Chicano Federation in San Diego is accepting donations to support the family.