Investigators on Friday delivered some of the most in-depth details of their investigation into the killing of Chicago police officer Luis Huesca, revealing how they identified and ultimately arrested a suspect in the killing after a days-long manhunt.
Authorities have detailed their multistate search for suspect Xavier Tate Jr., who is now charged with murder in Huesca’s death, among other charges.
Huesca was found by fellow officers with multiple gunshot wounds on April 21 near his Gage Park home. A six-year veteran of the force, Huesca had just finished his tour of duty and was returning home in uniform when the shooting occurred. His Toyota SUV and gun were stolen following the shooting, authorities said.
Authorities say a water bottle and bank card marked a big break in their case the night Huesca was fatally shot.
“After locating video of Tate in the area of the shooting, detectives traced his movements to a business where he had purchased a bottle of water using a relative’s credit card,” the chief said. detectives Antoinette Ursitti during a press conference. “Detectives identified Tate through the relative who authorized Tate to use the bank card.”
Once identified, that same water bottle, along with the clothing Tate was seen wearing in video footage taken earlier in the day, was found near where authorities discovered Huesca’s stolen vehicle, a Ursitti said.
Ursitti said authorities then began processing ballistics evidence recovered from the scene of the shooting, where Tate’s DNA was discovered on the recovered evidence.
“Additionally, Tate’s fingerprints were discovered on a fence that he was seen on video jumping over after the murder,” Ursitti said.
As authorities continued their investigation, they ended up at a home April 26 in the 10800 block of South Hale. There, Ursitti said officers saw a man inside the home throw a gun over a fence into a yard. It later turned out that this weapon was Huesca’s service weapon.
“Detectives then conducted a search of the location and recovered ammunition and magazines,” Ursitti said.
The man who saw the weapon thrown was later charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
After that, the Chicago Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force traveled to Wisconsin and Iowa after receiving information about the escape by Tate.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke at a news conference Friday following the arrest of Xavier Tate in the killing of CPD Officer Luis Huesca.
Charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon were approved against the man in an attempt to apprehend the gang. Members of the CPD Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force traveled to Wisconsin and Iowa based on information that Tate had fled the State. .
The investigation was later brought back to Illinois, when officials learned Tate was in Glendale Heights.
Other information revealed to Tate was in Glendale Heights, Illinois, where he was arrested Wednesday.
Police say Tate was arrested without incident Wednesday evening at the Ellyn Crossing Apartments.
Two law enforcement sources told NBC Chicago that Tate Jr. was hiding in an apartment in the complex, under the kitchen sink.
According to sources, Tate Jr. said “please don’t hurt me,” when officers found him.
“The past week has been unimaginable for Officer Huesca’s family. Amid their grief, they had to deal with the added burden of knowing that his killer was still free,” said Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling said Friday. “That changed Wednesday evening. Following a multistate manhunt, CPD and the U.S. Marshal Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force tracked Tate to the apartment in Glendale Heights, Wash. Illinois. And Luis was with them. Tate was arrested in handcuffs.
The person who was harboring Tate at the time of his arrest was also charged in DuPage County with concealing and aiding a fugitive, police said.
Tate now faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated vehicular hijacking and possession of a stolen firearm. He is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday.
“These charges reflect the seriousness of the actions that led to the tragic death of a man who served this city with integrity and courage,” said Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. “Officer Huesca was a six-year veteran and his commitment to our community represented the best of what it means to serve in law enforcement. As we bring these charges, let us remember his service and honor his brief and we are committed to thorough and ongoing investigation ensuring that our pursuit of justice is meticulous and unwavering.
During a press conference Friday, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx shared details of the charges against Xavier Tate in the murder of Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca.
Officials said their investigation so far has not indicated that Huesca was targeted because she was a police officer.
“When Officer Huesca got home, he was in his uniform. He had a blanket over it, but at this point…what I will say is that nothing in our investigation at this point bears us to believe he targeted Officer Huesca because he was a law enforcement officer,” Ursitti said.
In a statement, Huesca’s family thanked law enforcement for their efforts in the investigation.
“We extend our immense gratitude to the men and women of the Chicago Police Department for their unwavering support and dedication to our family, with special recognition to Superintendent Larry Snelling, Chief Antoinette Ursitti and President of the Chicago FOP , John Catanzara for their exceptional support during our darkest hours,” the statement read in part.
“While we trust the justice system for a fair and thorough resolution, the possibility of lenient pretrial release conditions that could allow a heinous murderer to walk free is deeply troubling,” the statement continued. “The despicable nature of this crime and its devastating impact on our family and community demand an uncompromising pursuit of justice.”
The arrest comes two days after law enforcement filled the seats at the chapel of the Saint Rita Cascia Shrine in the Beverly View neighborhood in Huesca’s honor.
One by one, family, friends and colleagues shared moving stories at the slain officer’s funeral, each revealing a beautiful tribute to the man they knew – the man he was both with and without his badge.
“When I first heard the tragic news, I really struggled to find the words to describe (Luis) to those who hadn’t had the privilege of meeting him. But I kept coming back to the expression ‘take off his shirt’.’ Because that’s exactly what Luis was. He was the kind of man who did everything possible to help others no matter what,” said his friend Karim Ismat.
Officer Luis Huesca, a six-year veteran of the force, was fatally shot April 21 in Chicago’s Gage Park neighborhood as he walked home from work. At his funeral, touching tributes from family, friends and colleagues painted a poignant portrait of the man he was, with and without his badge.
In the end, it was Huesca’s character who took center stage.
“Luis, your nickname should be Lionheart. You are an exceptional person with courage, bravery, community, humility and pride in your work,” Huesca Jr. said, reciting a letter which he wrote to his late brother. “And you have devotion to those you touch, rest in peace, my brother, and I love you.”
NBC Chicago
