Hundreds of mourners gathered to bid farewell to Chicago police officer Luis M. Huesca, who was shot to death while off-duty and heading home from work. The funeral procession route to St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel was lined with police officers, firefighters, and others who came to remember the 30-year-old six-year veteran of the police department. Huesca was just two days shy of his 31st birthday when he was killed in the shooting on April 21 on the city’s Southwest Side. Initially in uniform and wearing something over it as customary for off-duty officers, Huesca was found with gunshot wounds after a gunshot detection alert was responded to by officers. His vehicle was taken during the incident.
An arrest warrant was issued for a 22-year-old suspect in the shooting, who is yet to be captured and arraigned. The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous, according to police. Huesca’s funeral was attended by many, although Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was requested by the officer’s mother to be absent. Despite this, Mayor Johnson expressed his condolences and support for the family and colleagues of Officer Huesca in a written statement. Huesca’s mother’s request was passed on to the mayor by Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza and state Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar.
Huesca was a friend of fellow officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso, who was killed in 2023 during a shootout after responding to a domestic violence call. In a video honoring Vásquez Lasso, Huesca paid tribute to his friend. Officer Lucia Chavez, who was friends with both Huesca and Vásquez Lasso, expressed her grief during Monday’s service, highlighting the bond and loss she felt for her two friends. Superintendent Larry Snelling also spoke at the service, praising Huesca for his dedication to protecting others and leaving a positive impact wherever he went.
Born in Chicago’s Avondale community, Huesca earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is survived by his parents, Emiliano and Edith Huesca, sister Liliana O’Brien, and brother Emiliano Huesca Jr. Mayor Johnson reiterated his commitment to supporting the police and first responders, uniting the city, and working towards a better and safer Chicago. The funeral service was a solemn and emotional occasion, with colleagues, friends, and family members remembering the life and service of officer Luis M. Huesca.
