Bodycam Video Released in Fatal 2025 Shooting of Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera

Tragic incident reveals history of concerns about officer involved in shooting death of his former romantic partner

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuff key lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.The tragic shooting of Officer Krystal Rivera by her former partner exposes systemic issues within the Chicago Police Department.Chicago Today

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability has released body camera footage from the 2025 incident where Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera was shot and killed by her fellow officer and former romantic partner, Carlos Baker, during a chaotic drug raid operation. The shooting is being investigated as accidental, but Rivera's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging Baker's reckless conduct and the department's failure to address prior concerns about his behavior.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has raised questions about police accountability, the department's handling of officer relationships and disciplinary issues, and the need for stronger policies to protect officers' safety when working with partners they have personal histories with.

The details

The shooting unfolded on June 5, 2025 as Rivera, 36, and Baker were pursuing a suspect. According to a lawsuit filed by Rivera's family, Baker kicked down a door in a building and then turned 180 degrees and shot Rivera in the back, without immediately calling for help. Attorneys say the department knew about the relationship between Rivera and Baker, and that Rivera had previously requested a new partner due to concerns about Baker's reckless behavior, which included at least eight prior sustained disciplinary incidents.

  • The shooting occurred on June 5, 2025.
  • The body camera footage was released on April 17, 2026, more than 10 months after the incident.
  • In August 2025, Baker was relieved of his police powers.

The players

Krystal Rivera

A 36-year-old Chicago Police Officer who was shot and killed by her fellow officer and former romantic partner, Carlos Baker, during a police chase in 2025.

Carlos Baker

A Chicago Police Officer who shot and killed his former romantic partner, Officer Krystal Rivera, during a police chase in 2025. Baker had a history of disciplinary issues, including at least eight prior sustained incidents, and Rivera had previously requested a new partner due to concerns about his reckless behavior.

Adrian Rucker

A suspect who was being chased by Rivera and Baker, leading to the incident where Rivera was shot and killed.

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What they’re saying

“'The Chicago Police Department knew that officer Carlos Baker was a liability. The Chicago Police Department knew that Carlos Baker was unfit for duty as a Chicago police officer.'”

— Antonio Romanucci, Attorney representing Rivera's family

“'We believe that CPD knew that Krystal had previously requested a different partner because of her safety concerns over Baker's reckless conduct.'”

— Maura White, Attorney representing Rivera's family

What’s next

The shooting is still under investigation, and Baker has not been charged with a crime. Rivera's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the department and Baker.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for stronger policies and oversight to address disciplinary issues and personal relationships among police officers, in order to protect the safety of both officers and the public they serve.