BENTON COUNTY, Wash. – The recent autopsy conducted by the Benton County Coroner’s Office shed light on the tragic deaths of 17-year-old Angelica Santos and 31-year-old Amber Rodriguez, both victims of Elias Huizar. Santos was found in Huizar’s home, where she had succumbed to multiple stab wounds. Rodriguez, a paraeducator at William Wiley Elementary School and a former spouse of Huizar, was tragically killed by multiple gunshot wounds in front of the school.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths of Santos and Rodriguez have deeply affected the community, as details emerge about Huizar’s troubled past. Huizar was facing charges for rape but decided to flee on the day of the hearing, initiating a series of events that culminated in the devastating murders. Following a nationwide manhunt, Huizar was found on I-5 near Eugene, Oregon, where he took his own life, leaving behind a trail of grief and heartache.
The loss of two young lives and the subsequent manhunt for Huizar have shaken the quiet town of West Richland, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health and domestic violence issues in the community. As the community comes to terms with this tragedy, there is a renewed focus on supporting victims of abuse and preventing similar events from occurring in the future.
The safe recovery of Roman Santos, the one-year-old son of Angelica Santos, has brought a small glimmer of hope amid the devastation. The swift action of law enforcement in locating Roman and reuniting him with his family has been a beacon of light in an otherwise dark chapter for the community. As the healing process begins, there is a collective effort to remember the lives lost and work towards creating a safer and more resilient community for all its residents.