Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera Fatally Shot by Partner During Foot Chase, Bodycam Video Released

On April 17, 2026, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) released body camera and security video showing the fatal shooting of Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera by her partner, Officer Carlos Baker, during a foot pursuit on June 5, 2025. The videos depict the moments before and after Rivera was struck by gunfire in the back whereas chasing a suspect inside an apartment building in the Chatham neighborhood on the city’s South Side.

The incident began around 9:50 p.m. When Rivera and Baker attempted to stop a man in the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue. The suspect, later identified as Adrian Rucker, fled into a nearby apartment building, prompting the officers to pursue him on foot. Bodycam footage shows Baker and Rivera chasing Rucker up a flight of stairs. Baker kicked open the door to an apartment where Rucker was believed to be hiding. As Baker retreated from the doorway after encountering an armed individual, his weapon discharged, striking Rivera, who was positioned behind him in pursuit.

Rivera, 36, sustained a gunshot wound to the back and later died from her injuries. The released videos show Baker running up the stairwell after the shot was fired, leaving Rivera bleeding in the hallway. Residents inside the building immediately called 911. COPA described Rivera’s death as “tragic,” and the shooting remains under investigation as part of an ongoing probe into the leverage of deadly force by Chicago police officers.

Baker was relieved of his police powers in mid-August 2025 in a separate case but continues to work in a desk position within the Chicago Police Department. COPA has not released further details about the status of its investigation, and no criminal charges have been filed against Baker in connection with Rivera’s death as of the video release.

Rivera’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging that Baker had a troubling disciplinary history, failed to follow protocol after the shooting, and intentionally did not render aid to his wounded partner. The lawsuit as well claims that Rivera and Baker had a failed romantic relationship prior to the incident. A police spokesperson declined to comment on the litigation but affirmed the department’s cooperation with COPA’s investigation.

The release of the bodycam and security footage followed a legal battle over public access. A judge had initially barred the release of the videos in a criminal case involving suspects in the chase, but an appellate court overturned that ruling last month, allowing the videos to be made public. NBC Chicago and other media organizations had filed motions to secure the release, arguing that the public had a right to view the recordings since Rivera was not shot by a suspect but by her fellow officer.

As of the date of the video release, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Rivera’s death. The agency has not released additional findings or timelines for the conclusion of its probe.

Key Takeaways

• Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera was fatally shot by her partner, Officer Carlos Baker, during a foot chase on June 5, 2025.
• Body camera and security video released by COPA on April 17, 2026, show Baker firing his weapon while retreating from a doorway, striking Rivera in the back.
• Rivera, 36, died from the gunshot wound; Baker did not immediately call for aid and was seen running up the stairwell after the shooting.
• The incident occurred in the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue in the Chatham neighborhood during a pursuit of suspect Adrian Rucker.
• Baker remains employed by the Chicago Police Department in a desk role after being relieved of police powers in a separate case.
• Rivera’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging misconduct and a failed romantic relationship between the officers.
• COPA’s investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with no criminal charges filed against Baker to date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Krystal Rivera?

Krystal Rivera was a 36-year-old Chicago Police Officer who was fatally shot by her partner, Officer Carlos Baker, during a foot pursuit on June 5, 2025. She had served with the Chicago Police Department and was pursuing a suspect when she was struck by gunfire in the back.

Who shot Krystal Rivera?

Officer Carlos Baker, Rivera’s partner, discharged his weapon while retreating from an apartment doorway during the chase, striking Rivera in the back. The shooting was captured on body camera video released by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.

When and where did the shooting occur?

The shooting occurred on June 5, 2025, around 9:50 p.m. In the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue in the Chatham neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, during a foot chase following an investigative stop.

Has Officer Carlos Baker been charged?

As of the release of the bodycam video on April 17, 2026, no criminal charges have been filed against Officer Carlos Baker in connection with Krystal Rivera’s death. He remains employed by the Chicago Police Department in a desk position after being relieved of police powers in a separate case in mid-August 2025.

What is COPA’s role in this case?

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is the civilian oversight agency responsible for investigating incidents involving the use of deadly force by Chicago police officers. COPA released the body camera and security video related to Rivera’s shooting and continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.