Predator Kills Wife and Girlfriend, Then Goes on Police Chase with One Year Old Son | The Case of Elias Huizar

In 2013, 39-year-old Elias Huizar began his career with the Yakima Police Department in Washington State. He soon became a school resource officer (SRO) at Washington Middle School. For those unfamiliar, an SRO is a sworn law-enforcement officer with arrest powers who works in a school setting. Most SROs are armed and carry restraints like handcuffs.

Allegations and Investigations

Huizar’s tenure as an SRO lasted about 18 months before his interactions with students raised concerns. In March 2019, allegations surfaced about an inappropriate relationship between Huizar and 11-year-old sixth-grader Angelica Santos. Students reported Santos posting on Snapchat about dating Huizar. The situation escalated when other students claimed Santos told them she had sex with Huizar at school and his house.

These allegations prompted a nine-day investigation by the state Attorney General’s Office. Senior investigator Bradley Graham obtained Snapchat screenshots where Santos wrote,

“I kinda wants to slept (sic) with him but I don’t want to get pregnant.”

However, most interviewees stated Santos had a history of fabricating stories. Santos later denied any relationship with Huizar and claimed her Snapchat account was hacked.

While charges weren’t filed, Huizar violated Yakima Police Department policies by not reporting the rumors. Police Chief Matthew Murray stated,

“He has an obligation, so does the principal, under state law as a mandatory reporter to report an allegation of sex assault by a child, even if he’s the suspect. And so that’s what I disciplined him for.”

Murray removed Huizar from Washington Middle School but allowed him to work as an SRO at Franklin Middle School.

Divorce and Further Troubles

In 2020, Huizar divorced his wife, Amber Rodriguez, with whom he had two children. In 2021, another internal investigation was launched after an incident at Wiley Elementary School where Huizar had a heated argument with his father-in-law over child custody.

During this time, investigators learned that Rodriguez was 17 when she met 24-year-old Huizar, who was her wrestling coach. This revelation prompted further investigation, but Rodriguez expressed concerns about retaliation if Huizar was charged.

Huizar resigned from the Yakima Police Department on February 14, 2022, and soon after became a substitute teacher in the Richland School District.

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Arrest and Escalation

In February 2024, Huizar was arrested for giving alcohol to two minors and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl. He was charged with second-degree rape, furnishing alcohol to minors, and third-degree rape tied to his relationship with a teen. It was revealed that Huizar had impregnated Angelica Santos, now 17, while still employed at the school.

On April 22, 2024, the situation took a tragic turn. Huizar shot his ex-wife, Amber, outside Wiley Elementary School where she worked. The shooting was witnessed by their 9-year-old son and other children. Huizar then fled with his 1-year-old son.

When police searched Huizar’s home, they discovered the body of Angelica Santos, who had been stabbed to death.

The Manhunt and Tragic Conclusion

An AMBER Alert was issued as Huizar fled south into Oregon. On April 23, around 2:20 pm, Oregon State Troopers spotted Huizar’s vehicle on I-5 southbound. A high-speed chase ensued, with speeds exceeding 100 mph.

Captain Kennedy reported,

“Near milepost 197, just south of Coburg, the suspect crashed into a stopped commercial vehicle. The suspect’s vehicle crashed, and spun into the median where it became immobile. As Troopers contacted the suspect vehicle, the suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

Thankfully, the 1-year-old child was found unharmed. Captain Kyle Kennedy stated,

“Roman is safe in the care of Oregon officials. He is doing well and being cared for. We are very very thankful for that outcome.”

Yakima Police Chief Matt Murray reflected on the case, saying,

“I don’t think being a police officer made him a predator of children. I also think he clearly was just deeply angry. Nothing about this is redeeming.”

The tragic events left a 5-year-old and 9-year-old orphaned in West Richland, with their future care uncertain.

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Question:  Do you think the police department, or the school district could have done more to prevent this tragedy?

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