Slain CPD Officer Luis Huesca 'The Lionheart' Celebrated At Funeral

CHICAGO — It was an all too familiar ritual on Chicago’s South Side Monday morning: honoring and saying goodbye to another enthusiastic young police officer cut down in his prime by the city’s violence that he did his best to abate and prevent.

Hundreds of police officers and residents lined the curbs of 103rd Street and Western Avenue to show their support for the family and friends of Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca during the procession to St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel. The young officer was gunned down while in uniform two days before his 31st birthday last weekend near his Gage Park home as he returned home from his shift.

Huesca’s colleagues recalled his love for travel, food, his strong work ethic, his knack for learning new languages and his sharp wit that would brighten their day even in the midst of difficult work.

“Luis left a great impression on not only everyone sitting here but especially his team, but he’s leaving an impression on the country,” CPD Supt. Larry Snelling said in his eulogy at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel.

Huesca began serving in the Chicago Police Department on March 16, 2018. His family described him as a kind soul, one who always wanted to protect the innocent, admired for his moral compass by his sister, Liliana, and brother, Emilano Jr., that led him to stand up for those who needed help years before he wore his star, Snelling said.

Chicago PO Luis Huesca, 30

Before Huesca became a police officer, his brother, Emiliano Jr., recounted a story of Luis witnessing a neighbor in a domestic altercation. Without hesitation, he stepped in to intervene and protect the victim before police arrived.

“This was the Luis his friends and family knew. Those who knew Luis as Officer Huesca saw that same protective spirit,” Snelling said. “He always led with professionalism and respect because that is who his mother, Edith Huesca, raised him to be.”

Stating that his mother described her son as having a “noble heart” was the reason why Huesca was a “great police officer.”

The young officer’s older brother, Emiliano Jr., remembered the slain officer as wise beyond his years, someone who took pride in caring for his mother and who “always put others first.”

Reading a letter to mourners that he wrote to his brother, Emiliano Jr. said, “You were an exceptional person with courage, bravery, humility and pride in your work. And you had dedication for those you touched. Rest in peace, my brother, and I love you.”

Huesca was assigned to the Area Two Incident Response Team that fans out in the neighborhoods when violent crime occurs, while at the same time strengthening relationships within the community. He was a classmate at the police academy and good friends with Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso, who was killed in the line of duty in March 2023 responding to a domestic call, also in Gage Park. Huesca honored his good friend last year in a memorial video.

He is the third Chicago police officer to be shot in 2024 and the first fatality. Huesca worked out of the Chicago Police Calumet (5th) District, the same district as Officer Aréanah Preston, who was also shot and killed last near her Avalon Park home returning home from work.

Calling Huesca’s family’s strength during the past week nothing short of inspiring, Snelling called it “Luis’s Day” and left some final words of comfort to the bereaved officers packing the pews at St. Rita.

“This is a day to celebrate the great contributions that this officer has provided this city. The protection of others is what he wanted every single day,” the police superintendent said. “Let’s remember the greatness of this young man, let’s remember the kindness of this young man, and let’s take something from that. Let’s take something from this family. Let’s continue to do the work that we do, and let’s continue to remember Officer Huesca.”

Earlier in the day, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza stated in a tweet that she and Rep. Angelica Guerrero Cuellar (22nd District) was asked to deliver a message from Huesca’s mother to Mayor Brandon Johnson, telling the mayor that he would not be welcome at her son’s funeral.

Johnson respected Edith Huesca’s wishes, sending his deepest condolences to the slain officer’s family and colleagues.

Ald. Matt O’Shea, whose 19th ward has the highest concentration of first responders and city employees, also thanked residents.

“As the procession traveled through our community, Officer Huesca's family and friends were joined by countless residents who lined the streets to show their support,” O’Shea said in an email to residents. “Seeing this incredible turnout was yet another reminder of how special our community is.”

The search for the suspect in Huesca's slaying — Xavier Tate Jr. — has intensified, with a combined $100,000 reward being offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

To make a contribution to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation in Officer Huesca's memory, visit here.