In a tragic turn of events, Elias Huizar, a former school resource officer from Washington state, took his own life in front of his infant son following a chaotic standoff with police. The 39-year-old had been accused of gunning down his ex-wife, Amber Rodriguez, and his underage girlfriend, Angelica Santos. The incident unfolded near Eugene, Oregon, where Huizar attempted to evade Oregon State Troopers during a high-speed chase that reached speeds of over 100 mph.
After crashing into a highway median, Huizar engaged in a gunfire exchange with officers before fleeing the scene and colliding with a semi-truck further down the interstate. It was at this point that he turned the gun on himself, firing a fatal shot to his head. Huizar was pronounced dead at the scene.
The primary concern throughout the ordeal was the safety of Santos’ 1-year-old son, Roman Santos, who was taken by Huizar as he went on the run. Fortunately, Oregon officials were able to safely recover the child, who is now in their care and reportedly doing well.
The manhunt for Huizar began after he allegedly shot and killed Rodriguez outside the elementary school where she worked. During the search, authorities discovered a second body inside Huizar’s Washington home, later identified as Angelica Santos. Huizar had been accused of raping and impregnating Santos while working as a school resource officer at her middle school.
While Huizar has been charged with Rodriguez’s murder, charges related to Santos’ death are pending. The cause of Santos’ death is still under investigation. The motive behind Huizar’s alleged rampage remains unclear, although West Richland Police Chief Thomas Grego suggested that pending criminal charges and domestic matters may hold some answers.
The case is further complicated by the fact that Rodriguez had recently filed to change the custody arrangements for their two shared children, citing concerns for their safety. She had previously expressed fears about Huizar, who she claimed was armed and had been harassing her since their divorce in 2020. Rodriguez had taken a job at William Wiley Elementary School to keep a close eye on their 9-year-old son, tragically exposing him to the horrifying sight of his father allegedly shooting his mother.
Authorities are also investigating how Huizar obtained the firearm used in the killings, as he was prohibited from owning any firearms due to a protection order filed against him. Huizar had worked for the Yakima Police Department from 2014 to 2021, leaving after facing disciplinary action. He had met Angelica Santos while working as a school resource officer at Washington Middle School in Yakima. Their relationship began when Santos was just 11 years old, and she became pregnant at the age of 15.
1 Response
I am deeply saddened to hear about this tragic incident. It is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of mental health and the need for support systems. In light of this, I would like to recommend seeking professional help and support from organizations like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) or Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741). These resources provide immediate assistance and can connect individuals with trained professionals who can offer guidance and support during difficult times. It is crucial to