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.
Crime
23-year-old Darion McMillian charged for the murder of Chicago Police officer Enrique Martinez
On Wednesday afternoon, the Chicago Police Department formally charged 23-year-old Darion C. McMillian in connection with the tragic shooting of Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez on the city’s South Side earlier this week.
McMillian faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder of a police officer, first-degree murder, attempted murder of a police officer, residential burglary, unlawful use of a weapon (machine gun), and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.
The incident occurred on Monday evening around 8 p.m. in the East Chatham neighborhood, near the 8000 block of South Ingleside Avenue.
Officer Martinez, 26, and his partner had approached a vehicle blocking traffic, occupied by three individuals, including McMillian.
As backup arrived, Officer Martinez and his partner observed McMillian reaching toward a bag on the vehicle floor. Despite commands to stop, McMillian allegedly retrieved a fully automatic firearm and opened fire, fatally wounding Officer Martinez.
The gunfire also struck the driver of the vehicle, who was killed at the scene; his identity has not yet been released. McMillian then reportedly pushed the driver’s body out of the car, moved to the driver’s seat, and attempted to flee.
During the escape attempt, he allegedly reversed the car, dragging one of the officers, who fired a shot into the ground as McMillian evaded capture. The dragged officer was later reported in fair condition.
While authorities initially detained a second individual from the vehicle, that person was released without charges.
McMillian’s criminal history includes multiple prior offenses. In January 2023, he was indicted by a Will County grand jury on charges of unlawful cannabis possession and intent to distribute.
More recently, in October, he faced charges in Will County for allegedly tampering with a drug screening test and was placed on electronic monitoring.
Reflecting on the incident, CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling remarked, “We have to do everything that we can to keep violent offenders off the street, especially those who are repeating these acts. If we don’t do that, then we’re failing our citizens, our children, and their futures.”
McMillian’s attempt to escape led to further chaos. After colliding with a parked vehicle, he reportedly abandoned the car, fled on foot, and forced entry into a nearby apartment where a woman was present.
Once inside, McMillian allegedly acquired a knife, cut off his electronic monitoring device, and concealed himself within the residence. The woman in the apartment was not harmed. Police later apprehended McMillian in the 8000 block of South Maryland.
This investigation remains active as the Chicago Police Department works to ensure justice for Officer Martinez, his family, and the community.