Rivera Family Sues CPD and Officer Carlos Baker Over Killing of Officer Krystal Rivera
The case highlights allegations of oversight failures tied to Baker's disciplinary record.
Overview
- A wrongful-death lawsuit filed in Cook County alleges Officer Carlos Baker shot Officer Krystal Rivera in the back during a June 5 foot chase in Chatham, then ran off without rendering aid or calling for help.
- The complaint cites an ended romantic relationship as motive, alleging Baker struggled with the breakup after infidelity and that Rivera had warned supervisors, sought reassignment, and reported feeling unsafe around him.
- Records referenced in coverage show Baker accrued multiple complaints, three suspensions, and two reprimands since 2021, and he was stripped of police powers in August over an unrelated Wicker Park bar incident and an alleged bid to obtain surveillance video.
- Chicago police have described the shooting as a tragic accident, COPA is investigating, and the family's attorney scheduled a news conference for 10 a.m.
- According to police, Rivera and Baker were pursuing an armed suspect, identified as Adrian Rucker, who allegedly pointed a gun before Baker fired and struck Rivera; Rucker and another man, Jaylin Arnold, were later arrested.