Krystal Rivera Obituary, Death News; Chicago officer who fatally shot partner stripped of police powers
Krystal Rivera Obituary, Death News – Chicago authorities have confirmed that Officer Carlos Baker, involved in the fatal shooting of his police partner earlier this year, has been relieved of his police powers. This action typically means that an officer is stripped of their badge and firearm and no longer has authority to make arrests.
The incident occurred in early June during a raid on a drug and gun suspect in the Chatham neighborhood, where Officer Krystal Rivera was shot and killed. Court documents and statements indicate that police and prosecutors have been investigating Rivera’s death as accidental. Baker has not been charged in connection with her death. Officials have not stated that the revocation of Baker’s police powers is related to the shooting.
The family of Krystal Rivera expressed support for the decision while criticizing the Chicago Police Department for hiring Baker despite previous concerns. In a statement, the family’s attorneys said, “While the Rivera family and their legal team wholly believe removing Carlos Baker’s police powers is the appropriate decision, we called for this from the earliest days after he fatally shot his police partner, Krystal Rivera. However, as we stated clearly several weeks ago, the concerns about Carlos Baker go back further than the night he killed Krystal. The City hired this rogue police officer despite knowing he was a danger to the community while he was a probationary officer. They took affirmative action to hire Carlos Baker when the only action should have been to terminate his probation and ensure he never wore a CPD shield or carried a gun. Krystal Rivera would be alive today.”
The case has also drawn attention due to the broader criminal investigation involving Adrian Rucker, who faces multiple charges, including armed violence and drug possession, in connection with the raid. While Rucker was charged, he was not responsible for Rivera’s death. However, a broad secrecy order was issued by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office after the criminal case was filed, restricting the release of key evidence, including police bodycam and dashcam footage, witness statements, and reports from other officers. These materials could provide insight into how Rivera was shot and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
NBC 5 Chicago, along with other local media outlets and the Better Government Association, filed a motion requesting access to these records, citing the public interest in transparency regarding police use of deadly force. The motion references past controversies, including the Laquan McDonald case and the acknowledged code of silence within CPD under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel, emphasizing the importance of public oversight and accountability.
The court has scheduled a hearing on NBC 5’s motion for September 10. Authorities and media outlets continue to monitor developments closely, as the investigation into Rivera’s death and the circumstances of Baker’s actions remain under review. Meanwhile, the community and Rivera’s family continue to seek clarity and accountability for the tragic loss of a law enforcement officer in the line of duty.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about police accountability, training, and the handling of incidents involving the use of deadly force by officers.
