A former police officer, Elias Huizar, is suspected of killing his ex-wife and girlfriend in separate incidents before fleeing with his 1-year-old son. The bodies of the two women were discovered at Huizar's residence during a search warrant. On Monday, Huizar killed a woman outside William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, Washington. Later that day, police served a search warrant at his home and found another woman's body.
Huizar is described as 39-years-old and was previously employed by the Yakima Police Department from 2013 to 2022. He resigned following discipline. Huizar had been due to appear in court on Monday on charges of child rape, but it is unclear if these allegations are related to the recent incidents.
An Amber Alert was issued for Roman Santos, Huizar's son, after he was abducted. The alert was canceled when Roman was found safe and in police custody following a highway pursuit in Oregon on Tuesday.
Huizar is suspected of shooting and killing a woman outside William Wiley Elementary School on Monday. He then fled the scene before officers arrived. Later that day, during the execution of a search warrant at Huizar's residence, detectives discovered another woman's body.
The West Richland Police Department identified Huizar as a suspect in both incidents and issued an Amber Alert for his son on Monday night. The alert stated that Huizar was armed and dangerous, and should not be approached.
Huizar was later spotted driving south on Interstate 5 near Eugene, Oregon, leading to a pursuit. During the chase, Huizar crashed into another vehicle and shot himself in the head. He died at the scene.
Roman Santos was found safe and taken into police custody following the incident.
The West Richland Police Department will hold a press conference regarding this case on Wednesday at 2 p.m. local time.
