Chicago Officer Fatally Shoots Partner in Pursuit

Bodycam footage released, wrongful death lawsuit filed by victim's family

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police officer's service weapon, the metal surface reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic without depicting any violence or victims.The release of bodycam footage from a fatal police shooting in Chicago has raised concerns about officer safety and accountability.Chicago Today

Body camera footage has been released showing a Chicago police officer fatally shooting his partner, Krystal Rivera, during a pursuit in June 2025. The shooting is being investigated as an 'unintentional discharge' by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, but Rivera's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging a history of reckless behavior by the officer, Carlos Baker, who was in a romantic relationship with Rivera.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has raised concerns about officer safety, training, and accountability within the Chicago Police Department. The release of the bodycam footage and the family's lawsuit have sparked renewed scrutiny over the department's handling of officers with histories of problematic behavior.

The details

The bodycam footage shows Officer Baker kicking in an apartment door, spotting another man with a firearm, and then falling back as a single gunshot is heard. Rivera's bodycam captures her running behind Baker as they chase the suspect, and then she drops to the ground after the gunshot. Baker can be heard calling for an ambulance and SWAT team, and he drags Rivera's body from the second floor to the first. The Chicago Police Department has said the shooting was an 'unintentional discharge', but Rivera's family alleges Baker had a history of reckless behavior and should not have been her partner.

  • The shooting occurred on June 5, 2025.
  • Baker was relieved of law enforcement powers in August 2025.
  • Rivera's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit last year.

The players

Krystal Rivera

A 36-year-old, four-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department who was fatally shot by her partner, Carlos Baker.

Carlos Baker

The Chicago police officer who fatally shot his partner, Krystal Rivera, in what is being investigated as an 'unintentional discharge'.

Yolanda Rivera

Krystal Rivera's mother, who has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Chicago and Officer Baker.

Timothy Grace

The attorney representing Officer Carlos Baker.

John Catanzara

The president of Chicago's police union, who has defended Officer Baker.

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What they’re saying

“The facts are clear that Officer Baker breached the door on that fateful night and was facing the lethal end of a rifle. While moving to seek cover and unbeknownst to him, his weapon unintentionally discharged striking Krystal.”

— Timothy Grace, Attorney for Officer Carlos Baker

“These videos are difficult to watch, and we remind members of the public that there is an active Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) investigation, which CPD continues to cooperate with.”

— Chicago Police Department

“If only multiple warning signs had been heeded and action taken to remove him as her partner or remove him from the force altogether. Indeed, he never should have been a Chicago Police Officer from the beginning.”

— Lawyers for Yolanda Rivera, Krystal Rivera's mother

“One of the most tragic moments in this department's history that I can remember.”

— John Catanzara, President of Chicago's police union

What’s next

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is continuing its investigation into the shooting, and Rivera's family has called for an independent investigation. The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Rivera's mother is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has raised serious questions about officer safety, training, and accountability within the Chicago Police Department. The release of the bodycam footage and the family's lawsuit have sparked renewed scrutiny over the department's handling of officers with histories of problematic behavior.