Body Camera Video Released in Fatal Shooting of Chicago Police Officer

Details of the Shooting

Krystal Rivera, 36, a four-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, was shot and killed by officer Carlos Baker on June 5, 2025, while they pursued a suspect. Video from Baker's body camera shows him kicking in an apartment door, spotting a man with a firearm, and saying “Wait” and “Oh” as he falls back amid the sound of a single gunshot.

Rivera's body camera footage captures her running behind Baker during the chase, reaching the top of the stairs as the door opens, and then dropping to the ground. ” He reports to a dispatcher that Rivera has been shot and requests an ambulance and a SWAT team.

Baker returns to Rivera's side after 1 minute and 44 seconds, saying “Stay with me” as he drags her body from the second floor to the first, where another officer arrives.

Investigation and Statements Three

days after the shooting, Chicago police stated that an officer discharged their weapon, fatally striking Rivera. The incident is being investigated as an unintentional discharge. Baker's attorney, Timothy Grace, stated that Baker breached the door and faced a rifle, and while moving to seek cover, his weapon unintentionally discharged, striking Rivera.

The statement noted factors including the officers' heights, positioning, and the angle of the weapon created the circumstance. Baker was relieved of law enforcement powers in August 2025, which typically means an officer is stripped of their gun and badge and loses arrest authority, according to reports.

This action was not related to the June 5 shooting, and Baker has not been charged with any crime. The Chicago Police Department stated on April 18, 2026, that it was thinking of Rivera's family and noted the videos are difficult to watch. The department added that there is an active investigation and it is cooperating but has no further comment.

The president of Chicago’s police union, John Catanzara, stated that Baker had no nefarious intent and lost his balance. Catanzara said Baker initially believed the man with the firearm shot his partner and called the death one of the most tragic moments in the department's history.

Lawsuit Allegations

A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Rivera's family in 2025 alleges that the Chicago Police Department knew Baker was reckless and posed a threat to his partner. The suit states the two officers were in a romantic relationship until about a month before the shooting.

It alleges Rivera complained about Baker’s job performance and requested another partner. The suit claims Rivera ended the relationship after discovering Baker was living with another woman. The lawsuit names Baker and the city of Chicago as defendants and seeks compensatory and punitive damages of more than $50,000.

Grace stated that the claim about living with another woman was false and that their relationship was short and casual, ending years ago. He added that at the time of the shooting, they were best friends, and the lawsuit is misdirected. Lawyers for Rivera's mother, Yolanda Rivera, stated when the lawsuit was filed that Baker had a history of bad behavior on and off duty.

They said warning signs should have been heeded to remove him as her partner or from the force. Grace stated that Baker has very little disciplinary record. A Chicago police spokesperson said on April 18, 2026, that the department could not comment on pending litigation.

An attorney representing Rivera's mother expressed concerns about the video release, alleging it was edited and not released in its entirety. The legal team has called for an independent investigation of the shooting.