WEST RICHLAND, Wash. — Two people believed to have been killed by the same man in West Richland are being remembered by friends, family and community members in the aftermath of their deaths.
Amber Marie Rodriguez was described as a beloved para-educator and mother who was shot and killed outside William Wiley Elementary School on April 22. Angelica Santos, 17, who was known affectionately as "Jelly" to her family members, was found dead at a home of the suspect, Elias Huizar, 39, after police carried out a search warrant on the property.
Huizar is believed to be responsible in both deaths. He fled Washington state with his 1-year-old son whom he shared with Santos and was later found in Oregon. Huizar died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a pursuit with Oregon State Police.
Here is what we know about both victims:
Amber Marie Rodriguez
Amber Marie Rodriguez was a beloved para-educator and "loving, devoted and fiercely protective" mother of two, according to an online fundraising campaign set up to support her family.
"The past few days have been incredibly tough for our staff, students, families and the entire Tri-Cities community," said Richland Superintendent Shelley Redinger. "Our district has suffered a profound loss in the passing of Amber Rodriguez, a remarkable para-educator at William Wiley Elementary, where she worked since 2022. Our deepest condolences go out to Amber's family at this time."
Huizar was Rodriguez's ex-husband, with whom she shared her two sons, aged 6 and 9.
Huizar is believed to have shot and killed Rodriguez at around 3:32 p.m. on April 22 at the elementary school where she worked. Redinger said Huizar waited behind a portable area where he knew Rodriguez would be.
Redinger said there has been an "outpouring of support" in the aftermath of Rodriguez's death and that the district was taking steps to help the community here.
Amber Rodriguez's loved ones call it a "devastating and tragic time."
The principal of William Wiley Elementary, Paul Chartrand, also provided a statement which was read out at a press conference on Wednesday.
"We will get through this, we will take our time and do this together," Chartrand said. "There is no timeline for what this looks like, or how long it will take, but we need to lean on each other and do what is best for our kids. Thank you to our community for the continued support as our district begins to heal."
Angelica Santos
Angelica Santos was 17 when she died, according to an online fundraising campaign set up by her family.
Samantha Deluna, Angelica Santos's aunt, said her family is hurting.
"She was only 17 years old," said Deluna. "All of us just really want to wake up from this nightmare and just bring her home."
She was known affectionately as "Jelly" to her close family. She leaves behind a brother, mother, grandparents and "many aunts, uncles and cousins," alongside her 1-year-old son whom she shared with Huizar.
Huizar is believed to have kidnapped the child and fled the state with him before the two were found in Oregon. The boy is in the custody of child protective services and is expected to return to the West Richland community in the "near future," according to information shared at a press conference on Wednesday.
Santos' cause of death is still being determined, pending an autopsy.
Huizar was facing a charge for third-degree rape of a child related to his relationship with Santos. He met the girl while he was a school resource officer at her middle school in Yakima and assaulted her when she was 15 years old. She gave birth to a son at 16.