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Chicago Police Deputy Chief William Betancourt Dies After Off-Duty Medical Emergency

Supt. Larry Snelling praised Betancourt's service in an internal memo to staff.

Overview

  • Chicago police said Betancourt, 60, died early Saturday following an off-duty medical emergency.
  • An internal memo obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times described the news as difficult and commended his dedication to the city.
  • Police have not released additional details about the medical cause beyond the reported emergency.
  • Betancourt held senior leadership posts after previously commanding the Ogden District on the West Side.
  • He drew attention in March 2025 for a strict grooming and uniform directive, spoke publicly after a 2023 Halloween mass shooting, and his district relocated migrants in July 2023 during a sexual-misconduct investigation.