Former Cop Wanted for Murder of Ex-Wife and Girlfriend; Baby Son Abducted
Elias Huizar, a former police officer, is on the run after he allegedly gunned down his ex-wife outside an elementary school and his teenage girlfriend at his home. Officials have issued a nationwide arrest warrant for Huizar, 39, for first-degree, premeditated murder.
The ex-wife, Amber Rodriguez, 31, was killed at Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, Washington, on Monday as children were being dismissed for the day. Police later found Huizar’s girlfriend dead at his nearby home. Authorities have not yet released her identity.
According to the Benton County Prosecuting Attorney, Eric Eisinger, Huizar is also suspected of abducting his infant son and is believed to be fleeing towards Mexico. Huizar was due in court on Monday to face child rape allegations related to a teenage girl sleeping at his home. He had pleaded not guilty to those charges in February.
The former officer was reportedly caught with the teenage girl by his then 17-year-old girlfriend, who reported him to the police. Huizar worked as an officer with the Yakima Police Department from June 2013 to February 2022, and was employed as a substitute teacher by the Richland School District from February 2022 to June 2023.
The school district has confirmed the shooting and has canceled classes for Tuesday. In a statement, the district expressed deep sadness and stated that Huizar had been removed from the substitute list following his arrest on the child rape charges earlier this year.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
