A former police officer accused of killing his ex-wife and girlfriend died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The catastrophe occurred on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, leaving the town in shock and mourning.
Elias Huizar was accused of abducting 1-year-old Roman Santos, previously Roman Huizar. The child was taken uninjured and safely into custody by Oregon State Police troopers. The swift action by law enforcement ensured the child’s safety despite the harrowing circumstances.
Huizar was charged with first-degree premeditated murder for allegedly shooting and murdering his ex-wife on Tuesday. According to investigators, the defendant shot and killed his ex-wife, 31-year-old Amber Rodriguez, on Monday, April 22, outside Wiley Elementary School.
According to the authorities, Huizar knew Rodriguez would be behind a temporary area, so he allegedly shot and murdered her at school dismissal. Officials believe Huizar was waiting behind a portable area where he was aware she would be. The tragedy of Amber Rodriguez has saddened the community.
ALSO READ: Former Police Officer Makes $12 Million From Buying ATMs
Authorities spotted Huizar driving a black vehicle overnight in Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday. Just before one in the morning, a convenience store employee in the city contacted 911 to report that he thought Huizar had stopped to buy a drink while a youngster was in the backseat.
When the police arrived, they were unable to find the former police officer. At around 2:40 p.m. PT, the suspect, Huizar, led the team of Oregon State Police Captain Kyle Kennedy on a chase after an attempted traffic stop on the I-5 in Eugene.
Kennedy noted that the suspect and the cops exchanged shots. He said no troopers were harmed in the incident. The suspect carried on, swerved into the median, and collided with a commercial vehicle. Then, according to officials, Huizar shot himself.
POLL—Should the U.S. Government Create a Path to Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants?
Hours later, when serving a search warrant at Huizar’s home, police uncovered another homicide victim, a known acquaintance of the suspect. The frightening facts surrounding the second death are unknown, but they add to the gravity of the situation.
Before these sad occurrences, Elias Huizar worked as a substitute teacher for the Richland School District from November 2021 until June 2023. According to the agency, Huizar worked as a police officer in Yakima, Washington, from June 2013 until February 2022.
He left the department following discipline, an official told ABC News. The department did not provide specific answers to requests about the discipline. His spiral into violence and despair remains a frightening enigma, leaving authorities and the community with unanswered concerns.
ALSO READ: Former Police Officer at the Capitol Says the Jan. 6 Protest Was a Set-Up
The loss of two lives, as well as the sorrow it caused their families and friends, serve as a sharp reminder of the significance of mental health awareness and intervention. As we mourn the victims, we must also consider how to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.
If you or someone you know is suffering from mental health concerns, please get help. Contact a mental health professional, a trustworthy friend, or a family member. Together, we can create a safer and more compassionate society.
You Might Also Like:
“No, You Need Therapy!” House Hearing on Biden’s Impeachment Turns Into Chaos
NASA Hears From Voyager 1 After Months of Quiet
Guest Pastor Kicked Off Stage at Christian Conference for Calling Transgenders Demons
Amusement Parks in the US That Have Free Entry
