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Diff: Luis M. Huesca

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[[File:Luis M. Huesca.jpg\|alt=Luis M. Huesca, taken from: https://www.odmp.org/officer/27022-police-officer-luis-m-huesca\|thumb\|Luis M. Huesca, taken from: https://www.odmp.org/officer/27022-police-officer-luis-m-huesca]]
'''Luis M. Huesca''' (23rd April 1993 – 21st April 2024) was a dedicated officer of the [[Chicago Police Department]] whose life was tragically cut short in the line of duty. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, known for his compassion, bravery, and integrity.
	{{Infobox person
	\| name = Luis M. Huesca
	\| image = Luis M. Huesca.jpg
	\| alt = Luis M. Huesca
	\| birth_date = 23 April 1993
	\| death_date = 21 April 2024
	\| nationality = American
	\| occupation = Police officer
	\| organisation = Chicago Police Department
	}}

== Personal Life ==
Luis M. Huesca was born on the 23rd of April 1993, in the Avondale area of Chicago, Illinois. He spent his childhood in Bolingbrook, attending Plainfield East High School before returning to the Pilsen area with his family. Luis pursued higher education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
	'''Luis M. Huesca''' was a Chicago Police Department officer who was fatally shot on 21 April 2024 while returning home after work. He was a six-year veteran of the department and was two days from his 31st birthday.

Luis had a zest for life and a deep curiosity about the world. He embraced different cultures through travel, learning local languages, and indulging in diverse cuisines. Despite life's challenges, Luis approached each day with an infectious smile and a playful spirit, embodying kindness and compassion in all his interactions.
	Xavier L. Tate Jr. was later charged with first-degree murder, aggravated vehicular hijacking and possession of a stolen firearm. Public reporting and police memorial records state that Huesca's vehicle and firearm were taken after the shooting.

=== Career ===
Although Luis initially aspired to become a chef and own his own business due to his passion for cooking, his desire to serve and protect others led him to pursue a career in law enforcement. He joined the Chicago Police Department, where he served with distinction for six years. Luis was driven by a commitment to making a positive impact on his community, particularly in guiding young people toward a path of hope and opportunity.
	== Career ==
	Huesca joined the Chicago Police Department in 2018. The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation lists him as Star #18913 and states that he served for six years, one month and five days.

== Incident ==
On the 21st of April 2024, Officer Luis Huesca was fatally shot while returning home from his shift in the 5500 block of South Kedzie Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Huesca, a six-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, was just two days away from his 31st birthday at the time of his death. The incident sent shockwaves through the community and law enforcement agencies alike.
	He was assigned to the 5th District, Calumet, and detailed to Unit 212, Deputy Chief, Area 2. Memorial records list department commendations and other recognition from his service.

=== Arrest of Suspect ===
Following a multi-state manhunt, Xavier Tate Jr., 22, was apprehended on Wednesday in Glendale Heights, a suburb west of Chicago. Tate was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated vehicular hijacking, and possession of a stolen firearm. Police alleged that Tate took Huesca's service weapon after killing him and fled the scene in Huesca's car.
	== Death ==
	Huesca was shot in the early hours of 21 April 2024 in the area of 3138 West 56th Street in Chicago. He had finished his shift and was returning home while still in uniform.

=== Investigation Details ===
The arrest of Tate was aided by various pieces of evidence, including DNA and fingerprint evidence, as well as video surveillance footage. Video evidence collected from over 90 locations after Huesca's death played a crucial role in tracking down the suspect. Detectives were able to trace Tate's movements to a business where he purchased a bottle of water using a relative's bank card. This bottle, along with clothing worn by Tate at the time of the shooting, was found near Huesca's stolen vehicle. Furthermore, Tate's DNA was discovered in the vehicle, and his fingerprints were identified on a fence he had jumped over after the shooting.
	Police and prosecutors alleged that Tate approached Huesca's vehicle, fired multiple shots, then took the vehicle and Huesca's firearm. Huesca was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital and pronounced dead.

Additionally, police followed leads suggesting that Tate may have fled to Wisconsin or Iowa after the shooting before ultimately locating him in Glendale Heights, Illinois. Tate's whereabouts were further pinpointed with the assistance of a relative, Caschaus Tate, who was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon for disposing of Huesca's gun.
	== Investigation and Charges ==
	The investigation involved Chicago Police, the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and other law-enforcement partners. Public reports described video evidence, recovered clothing, fingerprints, DNA and a water bottle linked to the suspect.

== Impact ==
The tragic death of Officer Luis Huesca has left a profound impact on the city of Chicago and the law enforcement community. Mayor Brandon Johnson described Huesca's death as a "tragic loss," while emphasising the city's commitment to bringing justice to the Huesca family. Huesca's family members expressed their grief and relief at the arrest of the suspect, emphasising Huesca's dedication to his work and his forgiving nature.
	Tate was arrested in Glendale Heights on 1 May 2024. A judge denied pre-trial release after prosecutors outlined the evidence. In June 2024, Tate pleaded not guilty.

== Survived By ==
Luis M. Huesca is survived by:
	== Memorial ==
	Huesca's funeral was held on 29 April 2024. Police officers, relatives and community members attended events honouring his life and service.

* Parents: Edith and Emiliano Huesca
* Siblings: Emiliano Huesca Jr., Liliana (James) O’Brien
* Nieces and Nephews: Owen, Olivia, and Isabella O’Brien
* Best Friend: Christian Calderon
	The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation lists Huesca on its fallen-officer memorial page. It records his end of watch as 21 April 2024.

	== References ==
	* [https://cpdmemorial.org/fallen-officers/police-officer-luis-m-huesca-star-18913/ Chicago Police Memorial Foundation: Police Officer Luis M. Huesca]
	* [https://news.wttw.com/2024/05/03/after-manhunt-22-year-old-charged-killing-chicago-police-officer-luis-huesca WTTW: suspect charged in killing of Officer Luis Huesca]
	* [https://apnews.com/article/bdfa124117d468eee303334617efce23 Associated Press: judge denies pre-trial release of man charged with killing Chicago police officer]
	* [https://abc7chicago.com/post/xavier-tate-jr-suspect-murder-chicago-police-officer/14936007/ ABC7 Chicago: Xavier Tate Jr. pleads not guilty]

	[[Category:Law enforcement]]
	[[Category:United States]]