Crime
Father 19-year-old Gabriel Huerta killed his 9-month-old boy, before shooting himself in Pima County
On November 5, 2024, at around 5:00 p.m., deputies from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s Foothills District responded to a distressing call about suicidal threats in the 5500 block of North Shannon Road.
The caller reported that 19-year-old Gabriel Huerta had made alarming statements about self-harm to family members before leaving his home with his 9-month-old son in a red Ford Fusion, with his intended direction unknown.
Deputies were informed during their search that Huerta may be armed and had reportedly expressed intentions of harming both himself and his child.
Soon after, Huerta’s vehicle was located near Himmel Park, close to North Tucson Boulevard and East Hawthorn Street.
Deputies took strategic positions around the area, eventually locating Huerta. Despite repeated commands, Huerta fled on foot into a nearby alley.
Shortly after, deputies heard multiple gunshots from the alley’s direction.
They immediately located Huerta, who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as well as his infant son, who had also been shot multiple times.
Deputies performed emergency life-saving measures on both Huerta and his son using Individual First Aid Kits until paramedics arrived and assumed care.
Both were transported to a local hospital, where, tragically, the infant later succumbed to his injuries. Huerta remains unresponsive and in critical condition.
The investigation is being led by detectives from the Pima County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit, with support from the Robbery and Assault Team, Domestic Violence Unit, and Crimes Against Children Unit.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also assisted with a K9 unit to search for additional evidence, such as projectiles and casings. The case remains active, and further updates will be provided as the investigation develops.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.