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Ex-Washington officer wanted in 2 killings found in Oregon with gunshot wound, police say

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Ex-Washington officer wanted in 2 killings found in Oregon with gunshot wound, police say


Elias Huizar was a former police officer with the Yakima Police Department. (WSP / YPD)

A former Washington state police officer wanted after killing two people, including his ex-wife, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a chase in Oregon, authorities said Tuesday. His 1-year-old baby, who was with him, was taken safely into custody by Oregon State Police troopers.

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The troopers began chasing the ex-Yakima officer, Elias Huizar, when they saw him driving southbound on Interstate 5 near Eugene, Oregon, at about 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Huizar sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head; his condition was unknown, the West Richland, Washington, Police Department said in a Facebook post. The southbound highway lanes were closed and traffic detoured for the police response.

Huizar went on the run Monday afternoon after killing two people, including his ex-wife, Amber Rodriguez, 31, whom he shot eight times outside a West Richland elementary school in front of their 9-year-old son and other witnesses, police said. Rodriguez had recently obtained a protection order against Huizar.

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Rodriguez worked at the school, while Huizar had recently worked as a substitute teacher in the Richland School District, the district confirmed in a Facebook post Tuesday.

Police did not identify the other victim, whose body was found later Monday at Huizar’s house, except to say she was Huizar’s girlfriend.

According to court records, Huizar, 39, had at least until early this year been living with a 17-year-old girl whom he met when she was 11 and he was a middle school resource officer in Yakima. He impregnated her when she was 15; their baby recently turned 1, Rodriguez wrote in seeking a protection order against Huizar.

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The Yakima Police Department said in a Facebook post Tuesday that Huizar left the department in 2021 “after receiving discipline.” It did not provide any other information.

In February, the 17-year-old girl reported to police that Huizar sexually assaulted a 16-year-old friend, who had passed out at their house. Huizar was charged with rape of both the teen and her friend. He was out on bail pending trial, authorities said.

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Rodriguez wrote in her petition for a protection order that her divorce from Huizar became final last year and that she had not been aware that he was having a relationship with the same teen he had met as a resource officer until he was charged with rape.

She said she feared for the safety of her children and that she would be seeking a modification of their parenting plan. She filed for the modification last Friday, court records show. The protection order was issued in February and was to remain in effect for a year; under it, Huizar was barred from possessing firearms.

The Richland School District said it terminated Huizar’s employment following his arrest in February. It said it had received recommendations from the Yakima School District before hiring him in 2022, and that he had passed background checks.

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“We are extremely disheartened that information about Mr. Huizar’s past was not disclosed to us through the various processes we have in place to vet RSD candidates for employment,” the district said. “It is the expectation for individuals who apply for employment with RSD to be forthcoming and truthful in their applications.”



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Oregon

How Alabama Transfer Elevates Ducks Defense

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How Alabama Transfer Elevates Ducks Defense


Peyton Woodyard, a highly touted safety from the 2024 class, has announced his decision to transfer from the Alabama Crimson Tide to the Oregon Ducks football program, bolstering an impressive roster of recent additions.

Woodyard, a 4-star prospect and former Alabama commit, entered the transfer portal last week after the departure of legendary coach Nick Saban. Despite being a true freshman, Woodyard had already made a name for himself, earning a No. 115 overall player ranking and a No. 8 safety rating from 247Sports.

The Ducks, led by coach Dan Lanning, were quick to swoop in and secure Woodyard’s commitment. With a “do not contact” tag on his portal entry, it was clear that Woodyard had already decided his next destination.

Woodyard’s addition to the Oregon roster is a significant coup for the program. He joins an already talented and young safety room, headlined by Aaron Flowers, the No. 102 player, and No. 7 safety in the 2024 class. Flowers recently impressed at the annual spring game, and the pairing of the two is expected to be dynamic.

According to 247Sports, Woodyard’s transfer will not affect Oregon’s 2024 class score, which has already set a program record. If included, the Ducks’ score would be 295.66, which is good for the No. 3 class in the nation behind Georgia and Alabama.

Woodyard’s decision to join the Ducks is a testament to the program’s growing reputation and appeal. With his talent and experience, he is expected to make an immediate impact on the field and help Oregon contend for a Pac-12 title.

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“Made In A Lab” For Las Vegas Raiders

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“Made In A Lab” For Las Vegas Raiders


Oregon football fans will miss center Jackson Powers-Johnson. “JPJ” anchored the best offensive line in college football for two-straight seasons, protecting former quarterback Bo Nix, while bringing positivity and tenacity to the locker room.

The highest-drafted center in Oregon football history, Powers-Johnson was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 44 pick.

Overwhelmingly, the Las Vegas Raiders fan base is thrilled with the new addition, as the plan is for JPJ to start at right guard as a rookie.

“I don’t see any way he is not starting week one at right guard,” Hondo Carpenter, beat reporter for Las Vegas Raiders SI said in an exclusive podcast. “This is an old school Raider. This is a kid that would play with a leather helmet if they let him. Raider Nation is jacked up, this is one of their own.”

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“This is like a guy that was made in the lab for (the Las Vegas Raiders),” Carpenter continued.

Oct 14, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58)

JPJ and the 2024 Raiders rookie class brings a wave of fresh air to a franchise already energized by the hiring of new head coach Antonio Pierce. A former NFL linebacker, Pierce started as Las Vegas’ linebackers coach in 2022. As interim coach last season, Pierce captivated the locker room with his tenacious leadership style and captivated the fanbase with his personality.

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“It feels like the Raiders are back to being the Raiders. It’s almost like for the last 20 years they have wandered in the wilderness, trying to find an identity that they had lost. Along comes Antonio Pierce, who grew up a Raider, is a Raider, personifies the Raiders…” Carpenter said.

“It’s why JPJ just fits. He is their kind of guy: violent, nasty, mean. That is what the head coach says he wants and that is JPJ.”

Powers-Johnson has already played in Allegiant Stadium during the 2023 PAC-12 Championship against the Washington Huskies. He hopes to experience more wins in the new NFL stadium.

Known for his intense competitiveness and tough demeanor on the field, Powers-Johnson has a sense of humor for the ages.

Jackson Powers-Johnson left a distinguished legacy at the University of Oregon, setting milestones as the first Duck and Pac-12 player to win the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best center. His accomplishments include being named a unanimous All-American, with first-team honors from the AFCA, Associated Press, FWAA, Sporting News, and Walter Camp.

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Powers-Johnson anchored an Oregon offensive line that led the nation with just five sacks allowed in 2023. He led all FBS centers in overall (84.3) and run-blocking (85.2) grade by Pro Football Focus in 2023, while ranking second in pass-blocking grade (90.6). He allowed just one pressure and zero sacks in 471 pass-blocking opportunities.





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Ex-FSU Football Defensive Lineman Transferring to Oregon State Football

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Ex-FSU Football Defensive Lineman Transferring to Oregon State Football


The spring transfer portal is officially closed, but players who entered while the portal was open are still able to find their next destinations and take their time in doing so. One player soon to find their next home is a former Florida State defensive end.

Josh Griffis, who has spent time with three different programs at various levels since transferring from Florida State a few years ago, will be continuing his college career at Oregon State. He announced the news on social media on Saturday evening.

READ MORE: Former FSU Stars Keon Coleman, Trey Benson, Tatum Bethune, and Renardo Green Get Their NFL Draft Calls

Griffis, a former three-star recruit and Florida State defensive end, left the Seminoles in 2021. He played briefly for Garden City Community College before joining Deion Sanders at Jackson State. He appeared in six games for the Tigers, totaling five tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one quarterback hurry.

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After the season, Coach Prime took his talents to Colorado — where he’s been heavily involved in the news cycle since — leaving Griffis and many other former Jackson State players in the transfer portal. This was after Griffis spent time in JUCO after being dismissed from Florida State.

The former Seminole then transferred to Tarleton State, where he finished with 13 total tackles, nine solo tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles during his 2023 college football campaign.

Now headed to Oregon State, Griffis is headed to a unique situation. The program has been left high and dry after the Pac-12 dissolved, with its members dispersing across the Big 12 and Big Ten. Now, with just two programs remaining in the conference, Oregon State has an arrangement with the Mountain West to fill out their 2024 college football schedule.

Griffis is technically joining a power conference, though the Pac-12 is a thing of the past and they’re playing a very weak schedule compared to the Power Four — involving the Big 12, Big Ten, ACC and SEC. The former Seminole has had a very unique college football career path.

READ MORE: FSU AD Michael Alford Possibly Hints At Big 10 Move During Chicago Boosters Event

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Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the offseason.

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