Drone Reveals Gruesome Crime Scene in Former Policeman’s Home

A drone deployed by Tri-Cities officers made a chilling discovery in the home of Elias Huizar, a former policeman turned double-murder suspect, according to a report by the Tri-City Herald. The unmanned aircraft, used during a search of Huizar’s West Richland, Washington residence, uncovered a grisly scene that would lead to a multi-state manhunt.

The Drone’s Discovery

When law enforcement entered Huizar’s home for the second time in two months, they utilized a drone to scout the interior. The aerial device captured footage of a horrific scene in the living room: the bloodied body of 17-year-old Angelica Santos, Huizar’s girlfriend, lying on a plastic drop cloth.

“The bloodied body of Angelica Santos was lying on a plastic drop cloth, her head pillowed by a folded quilt,” the report details, highlighting the drone’s crucial role in the initial assessment of the crime scene.

A Trail of Violence

The drone’s discovery was just the beginning of a complex and tragic case. Investigators later determined that Santos had been repeatedly stabbed. Adding to the urgency of the situation, Huizar had kidnapped his 1-year-old son with Santos and fled the Tri-Cities area.

This gruesome find came hours after Huizar had shot and killed his ex-wife, Amber Rodriguez, at a West Richland elementary school where she worked as a paraeducator.

The Manhunt and Its Conclusion

The use of the drone in the initial search set off a chain of events that led to a multi-state pursuit. Huizar fled to Oregon with his youngest son, culminating in a chase with state police. Tragically, Huizar took his own life during the pursuit, though thankfully, the kidnapped toddler was found unharmed.

Unanswered Questions

The drone’s shocking discovery raised several questions that remain unanswered. It’s unclear when Huizar killed Santos and why she was at the home despite a no-contact order. Additionally, the source of the .40 caliber handgun used to shoot Rodriguez remains a mystery, as Huizar’s weapons had been previously seized by the police.

DroneXL’s Take

The use of a drone in this high-stakes law enforcement operation underscores the growing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles in police work. Drones provide a safe, efficient means of surveying potentially dangerous situations, allowing officers to gather crucial information without putting themselves at immediate risk.

As drone technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more instances of UAVs playing pivotal roles in crime scene investigation, search and rescue operations, and other critical law enforcement tasks. This case, while tragic, demonstrates how drones can be invaluable tools in serving and protecting communities.

Photo courtesy of the Tri-City Herald.