The Civilian Office of Police Accountability released body-camera and security video on Apr. 17 showing the June shooting death of Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera by her partner, Officer Carlos Baker, during a foot chase with a suspect. The incident has been described by police as an accident, but Rivera’s family alleges in a lawsuit that Baker intentionally failed to help her after the shooting.
The case has drawn significant attention due to allegations of a prior romantic relationship between Rivera and Baker and questions about how the aftermath was handled. According to police reports, both officers chased a man into an apartment building on South Drexel Avenue before Baker fired his weapon, striking Rivera.
Footage shows Baker calling for help over the radio after firing his gun and stating he could not reach his partner. Nearly two minutes passed before he approached Rivera and dragged her toward the front door while telling her to stay with him. Other officers arrived shortly afterward, taking over efforts to get Rivera medical attention.
A statement from Timothy Grace, attorney for Baker, said 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.” Grace also said that “the height of both officers, their location, the angle of the service weapon and the exact positioning… created a unique, dynamic and deadly circumstance.” He added that Baker “will not be intimidated” as investigations continue.
Reports about what happened immediately following the shooting appear contradictory; one incident report states Rivera was injured by an offender who fired at her first while another identifies Baker as having fired first when confronting an armed subject who did not use their weapon.
Rivera had served four years with Chicago Police Department at the time of her death. Her mother Yolanda called her “the light of my life,” adding: “But I can say CPD failed to protect Krystal.” The family’s lawsuit alleges further issues regarding past conduct by Baker within CPD as well as actions taken in incidents prior to this event.
Baker remains employed with CPD but has been stripped of police powers since August following unrelated disciplinary matters.
