Family of CPD Officer Krystal Rivera sues city, alleges partner with history of misconduct shot her
The family of Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera has sued the city and Officer Carlos Baker, alleging he shot her during an on‑duty foot pursuit and that the department ignored repeated warnings about his dangerous conduct. The complaint says Baker kicked in a door and fired, striking Rivera in the back, then fled without rendering basic first aid as Rivera radioed her own shooting, and it accuses CPD of filing misleading reports to regulators and failing to act on prior misconduct complaints — including a 2022 tavern incident under COPA review — despite Rivera having requested a new partner after ending a relationship with Baker, who reportedly appeared at her home the day before the shooting.
📌 Key Facts
- The family of slain Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera has sued the city, alleging the department ignored warnings about a dangerous partner.
- The lawsuit alleges Officer Carlos Baker kicked in a door during a foot chase, fired at a suspect and struck Rivera in the back.
- Attorney Antonio Romanucci says Baker fled to another floor and failed to render basic first aid while Rivera radioed that she had been shot.
- The complaint claims the CPD filed misleading reports with state regulators implying the shots came from a barricaded suspect rather than from Baker.
- COPA has not issued a formal determination on a 2022 incident in which Baker allegedly brandished a gun at an ex-girlfriend in a tavern.
- Timeline details in the suit say Rivera ended an on‑again, off‑again relationship with Baker, requested a new partner but was reassigned with him, and that he allegedly appeared uninvited at her home as late as June 4, the day before the shooting.
📊 Relevant Data
From 2017 to June 2023, only 6.5% of investigations into domestic violence allegations against Chicago Police officers resulted in sustained findings.
Chicago Cops Accused of Domestic Violence are Rarely Disciplined — South Side Weekly
Between 2019 and 2024, 272 Chicago Police officers were named in at least two misconduct lawsuits, costing taxpayers $295 million.
Repeated Police Misconduct by 272 Officers Has Cost Chicago Taxpayers $295M Since 2019: Analysis — WTTW News
In 2024, Black officers comprised 20.1% of the Chicago Police Department workforce, while Black residents comprised 27.2% of Chicago's population in 2022.
2024 CPD Annual Report — Chicago Police Department
Studies estimate that 28-40% of police families experience domestic abuse.
Chicago Cops Accused of Domestic Violence are Rarely Disciplined — South Side Weekly
📰 Sources (2)
- Complaint alleges Officer Carlos Baker kicked in a door during the foot chase and fired at a suspect, striking Officer Rivera in the back.
- Attorney Antonio Romanucci says Baker fled to another floor and failed to render basic first aid as Rivera radioed her own shooting.
- Lawsuit claims CPD filed misleading reports to state regulators implying shots came from a barricaded suspect rather than from Baker.
- COPA has not issued a formal determination on a 2022 incident in which Baker allegedly brandished a gun at an ex-girlfriend in a tavern.
- Additional timeline details: Rivera ended an on‑again, off‑again relationship with Baker; she requested a new partner but was later reassigned with him; he allegedly appeared uninvited at her home as late as June 4, a day before the shooting.