CHICAGO — The family of Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera is calling for an independent investigation and full public transparency after she was fatally shot in the back by her partner during a June police chase. Attorney Antonio Romanucci, representing the family, said the official account from the Chicago Police Department “does not pass the smell test” and urged CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling to release all available bodycam footage and disciplinary records of the officer who fired the fatal shot.
Demands for Transparency and Accountability
Romanucci publicly questioned why Officer Carlos Baker — Rivera’s partner and the man who shot her — was still on the force despite a troubling history of complaints and disciplinary actions. During a press conference, the attorney highlighted a December 2022 incident where Baker was accused of flashing a gun at a woman at a bar while on probation. Despite the seriousness of the allegation, the complaint went unpunished because the woman didn’t cooperate with investigators.
“Those aren’t even warning signs,” Romanucci said. “Those are just career killers.”
The family insists Rivera’s death was preventable and that Baker should have been removed from duty long ago. According to Romanucci, Baker had over a dozen complaints filed against him in just three and a half years with CPD — putting him in the top 5% of officers with misconduct allegations.
Incident Raises Unanswered Questions
Authorities say Rivera was unintentionally shot by Baker while the pair pursued a suspect into an apartment building. According to the department’s statement, the officers were confronted by another armed individual, prompting Baker to fire — accidentally striking Rivera.
However, Rivera’s mother, Yolanda Rivera, remains unconvinced and emotionally charged in her plea for answers:
“I need to understand what happened that night,” she said. “Krystal believed in protecting and serving with honor. Let this moment be guided by truth.”
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is currently reviewing the incident, though not as a criminal matter. Meanwhile, Romanucci sent a formal request to Supt. Snelling, urging him to bring in the Illinois State Police for a truly independent investigation.
Missing Gun Incident Adds New Layer to Case
New details have also surfaced about Rivera’s involvement in a controversial 2023 gun buyback operation. During that event, a firearm turned in to the department later disappeared from the Gresham District’s tactical office — and was eventually recovered after being used in a series of shootings. Rivera reportedly helped search for the missing gun and cooperated with the investigation. Baker, notably, was not assigned to that event.
The case raises further questions about department oversight, with Romanucci noting the coincidental connection and lack of transparency:
“There are so many pieces here, and we’ve got to start fitting them together.”
CPD Response and Legal Roadblocks
Despite growing public scrutiny, CPD has refused to answer specific questions about Baker’s employment status, the disciplinary complaints against him, or whether the department intends to release full documentation of the incident. Citing a court order tied to a related prosecution, the department says it cannot share bodycam footage or internal records.
Baker’s attorney, Tim Grace, called the shooting a “tragic accident” and claimed Baker’s disciplinary record was “very minor for an officer in high-crime districts.” He added that there’s no sign Baker is facing any criminal charges.
What Happens Next?
The Rivera family’s next steps may depend on public pressure. Without cooperation from CPD or movement from state investigators, any hope for accountability hinges on whether outside agencies agree to get involved.
Romanucci summed it up bluntly:
“Had he [Baker] not been there, Krystal would have been alive.”
Do you believe CPD should release the footage and records in Officer Rivera’s case? Share your thoughts in the comments — your voice matters at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
