Eliaz Huizar’s victims identified as families of ex-wife and teen killed by Yakima cop mourn their loss

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

RICHLAND, WASHINGTON: Former police officer Elias Huizar killed his ex-wife Amber Marie Rodriguez, 31, and his girlfriend Angelica Santos, 17, on Monday, April 22, 2024. 

Huizar was on the run after committing the double homicide and abducting the 1-year-old son he had with teen mom Santos.

During a high-speed police car chase on Tuesday, April 23, he was captured, and when police approached the vehicle, they found him dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

After his death, his one-year-old son was safely recovered and handed over to his relatives. 

Following the deadly shooting, the families of the victims, the suspect's ex-wife and teenage girlfriend, grieved their loss.

Amber Rodriguez's family remembers her

Elias Huizar has been accused of killing his ex-wife Amber Rodriguez, who tragically lost her life in front of their nine-year-old son.

According to Rodriguez's family, she was a "loving, devoted and fiercely protective mother of her children, 9 and 6 years old." 

They added that her nine-year-old son, who witnessed the tragic event, "was a witness to his mother's murder and will need extensive support going forward," Fox News reported.

Angelica Santos is survived by her one-year-old son

According to Non-stop Local, as the news confirmed the death of Santos, affectionately known as Jelly to her family, the time for mourning persists.

"Everybody is grieving," said Megan Foley,  who is Santos’ aunt. "There has been going to bed crying, waking up crying. Some laughter in between going through memories, of course,” she added.

Santos was described by her aunt as "a loving and lively personality." "Jelly was a soul who prioritized others above all else," she added.

"She had a smile that could light up an entire room," Foley remembered.

"It don’t matter who you were, they would light up. She cared about everybody. She had a really big heart. She was caring, and kind, and she was one of the greatest moms I’ve ever seen," the grieving aunt said.

"Jelly's greatest joy in life was her son, and her family felt immense relief upon witnessing the Oregon State Police rescue Roman. "It was the first time anybody smiled after finding everything out," Foley continued.

Santos' aunt anticipated Roman's reunion with the Santos family.

Amid their grief, the family cherishes shared memories. Foley's last memory of Santos is a happy one as she recalled, "She was running around in circles around the trampoline, chasing after him. She’s sitting there giggling and he was sitting there giggling, crawling across the trampoline."

Foley wished she could convey one last message to Santos. She added, "I love you and you’re amazing. I’m so proud of the woman you became."

GoFundMe campaign raised for Amber Marie Rodriguez

A fundraising campaign has been initiated for Huizar's ex-wife, Amber Marie Rodriguez, which has surpassed its $50,000 goal by raising over $54,507 on GoFundMe.

One user expressed their condolences and said, "My heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the family and friends. I shall keep you all in my prayers for healing and support. I am so sorry for your great loss."

Another user said, "We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that your community cares deeply. Our family is praying for yours."

One person said, "May God strengthen the children and all the family."

Another wrote, "I’m beyond sorry for what has happened to your family. I’m praying for God’s healing hand on you all to help you through this unimaginably difficult time. And especially for these two young boys whose lives are forever changed."

GoFundMe campaign for Angelica Santos

A fundraising campaign has also been initiated for Angelica Santos, affectionately known as Jelly. According to GoFundMe, the campaign has surpassed $12,000 out of its $15,000 goal. 

The page states, "Jelly tragically lost her life at the young age of 17, leaving behind her son Roman, her brother Damien, mother Tiffany, and grandparents Ann and Robert, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family deeply appreciates any support from the community and loved ones during this difficult time. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing and keeping our family in your prayers. We also ask for prayers for the safe return of her son Roman." 

In response to the family's plea, one user wrote, "May God bless you as you care for Roman and cope with the loss of your dear 'Jelly.' Continued prayers for all who knew and loved her!" 

Another offered their "deepest condolences," while a third expressed, "I'm so sorry for your loss. The incident occurred only 1.3 miles from my home, making it all too real for me. God bless you all, and I'm glad you are able to give her a proper burial."

Elias Huizar killed two women who were mothers of his children

Elias Huizar, a former Yakima police officer and employee of the Richland school district, allegedly committed the heinous acts of killing Angelica at their Richland residence and subsequently targeting Amber, the mother of his other children, at Wiley Elementary School.

Following the incidents, Huizar fled the scene with his one-year-old son, Roman, prompting the issuance of an Amber Alert, which described his getaway vehicle as a silver Toyota Corolla.

However, updated reports suggest that he may have changed vehicles and could now be driving a dark-colored Nissan. 

Following these events, a warrant for Huizar's arrest was issued, with Judge Diana Ruff setting bail at no bail on April 22.

During the police chase, Huizar tragically took his own life with a gunshot. Fortunately, baby Roman was found safe. 

Notably, the cause of these killed has not been revealed.