Thu Jul 03 04:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera died in a friendly fire incident on June 5th during a tactical operation. Her family, represented by Romanucci & Blandin, is demanding transparency and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. They are particularly concerned about the prior disciplinary record of the officer who shot Rivera and why he remained on the force. The family is seeking the release of unedited bodycam footage and questioning whether the case is being handled differently because the shooter was a fellow officer. The officer’s attorney stated that he is not under criminal investigation. COPA is investigating the incident, as well as the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

**News Article:**

**Family of Slain Chicago Officer Demands Answers, Calls for Independent Investigation**

CHICAGO (WLS) – The family of Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera, who died last month in a friendly fire incident, is demanding transparency and an independent investigation into her death. Attorneys for the family announced a civil investigation on Wednesday.

Rivera, a 36-year-old mother and four-year veteran of the CPD, was fatally shot by her partner on June 5th during a tactical operation in the Chatham neighborhood. The incident occurred while responding to a call about a suspect with a gun, which led to a chase into an apartment building.

Represented by the law firm of Romanucci & Blandin, Rivera’s mother, Yolanda Rivera, pleaded for the release of unedited bodycam footage and raised concerns about the handling of the case. “She was the center, heartbeat, and now everything feels so quiet without her. We believe in justice. We as a family need answers.”

Attorneys highlighted that the officer who shot Rivera had a history of disciplinary actions, including three suspensions and two reprimands, and questioned why he remained on the force. They emphasized that the family had only been shown limited, edited clips of the bodycam footage and urged the city to provide full disclosure.

“We want to know: Is this shooting being treated differently because the bullet came from another officer? Why?” attorney Antonio Romanucci said. “I have a strong feeling if that shot came from a civilian’s gun we would have a lot more information.”

While a circuit court judge has sealed records related to the shooting, including the full bodycam video, Rivera’s family is imploring city officials to grant access and provide clarity on the events leading to her death.

The attorney representing the officer who fired the fatal shot stated that his client is “heartbroken” and that there is no indication that he is under criminal investigation.

The Chicago Police Department said Rivera’s partner remains on administrative duty throughout the investigation. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) are also investigating the incident. The family’s legal team is pushing for the Illinois State Police to conduct an independent investigation.

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