Washington authorities are searching for Elias Huizar, a former school resource officer accused of killing his ex-wife and 17-year-old girlfriend and abducting their 1-year-old son on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred outside William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, with Huizar also being suspected of killing his teenage girlfriend at his home. An Amber Alert was issued for the 1-year-old boy, and police believe Huizar may be traveling to Mexico in a silver 2009 Toyota Corolla with the child. The West Richland PD has described Huizar as armed and dangerous and likely to commit more crimes.
Court documents revealed that the victim, Amber Marie Rodriguez, had filed for a custody change involving her two sons with Huizar just last week before the tragic events unfolded. A friend described Rodriguez as “sweet and kind” in a Facebook post, reflecting on her positive attributes. The couple had divorced in 2020, with Rodriguez reportedly filing for a protection order after Huizar was accused of raping a teenage girl earlier this year. Huizar allegedly sexually assaulted the unconscious teen after she and his teenage girlfriend had been drinking, leading to his arrest. Despite posting $200,000 bail, the rape case was still pending at the time of the murders.
The community has been deeply affected by the tragedy, with one friend expressing shock and sadness over the loss of Rodriguez and her young sons’ mother. Huizar’s actions have caused outrage and concern about the safety of the public, prompting authorities to issue a warning about his potential for further violence. Investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding the teenage girlfriend’s pregnancy, trying to determine whether she was of legal age when she became pregnant. The former officer’s past actions have raised questions about the system and how such incidents could have been prevented.
Police are urging anyone with information regarding the shootings or Huizar’s whereabouts to contact the West Richland Police Department non-emergency number. Law enforcement agencies including the FBI, U.S. Marshal Service, and local and state offices are working together to locate Huizar and ensure the safety of the community. The tragic events have shed light on the impact of domestic violence and the importance of taking action to prevent such incidents from occurring. The search for Huizar continues as authorities work to bring him to justice for the crimes he is accused of committing. The community waits anxiously for updates and hopes for a resolution to this heartbreaking situation.
