Family members of a Chicago police officer who was killed while on duty are calling for an outside investigation into what led to her fatal shooting by a fellow officer.
Members of officer Krystal Rivera's family spoke at a news conference at the law offices of Romanucci and Blandin at 321 North Clark on Wednesday afternoon, saying that nearly a month after the shooting, there are still too many questions that have not been answered.
Attorney Antonio Romanucci represents the fallen officer's family and said, "in order to insure fair and unbiased review of this officer-involved shooting and death, we believe that multiple agencies must collaborate. This cannot just rest within the City of Chicago or anyone of its controlled departments."
The family of Rivera - who leaves behind a young daughter - wants Illinois State Police to investigate the June 5th shooting, in which Rivera was shot in the back by a fellow officer responding to a call on the 8200 block of South Drexel.
Lawyers and family members also say the officer who shot Rivera should not have even been with the Chicago Police Department, noting reports of disciplinary issues.
Officer Rivera's mother, Yolanda Rivera, says the grief is unbearable, saying, "Krystal was not just my daughter, she was my best friend, my confidante, and the light of my life. I'm asking for complete transparency. I need to understand what happened that night. I need to know the truth."
Lawyers for Rivera's family want more evidence released, and would not say if a lawsuit is coming.
The officer who killed Rivera was placed on 30-day administrative leave.
