Adrian Rucker appears in court, suspect charged in connection with Chatham shooting death of Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera
Share this @internewscast.com

A suspect involved in the Chatham shooting that resulted in the tragic death of Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera appeared in court on Thursday. This case has attracted significant attention, particularly regarding the events that led to Officer Rivera’s death.

Adrian Rucker’s family has challenged the prosecutors’ narrative, specifically disputing allegations that Rucker aimed a gun at officers on the night of the incident. The family maintains his innocence in the series of unfortunate events that led to Officer Rivera being fatally struck by friendly fire.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Rucker’s family is now pleading with authorities to release police body cam video that they said will vindicate him.

My condolences to her family, but my nephew is not responsible for her death,” Adrian Rucker’s aunt Monique Reed said.

Reed, Rucker’s aunt, expressed her belief that her nephew is unfairly being made a scapegoat by the Chicago Police Department. She conveyed her thoughts to ABC7 following Rucker’s appearance at the status hearing on Thursday.

“I feel like he’s being railroaded, right now,” Reed said. He knows that I love him, and that we’re standing ten toes behind him.”

The 25-year-old was arrested and charged in connection to last week’s death of fallen Officer Rivera.

According to prosecutors, Rucker was inside a Chatham apartment when police came in, chasing after an armed suspect.

“You’re not just going to stand there because you don’t know what’s going on,” Reed said. “He’s inside of an apartment. He don’t know what’s taking place.”

During that pursuit, prosecutors said police bodycam video and security video in the apartment captured Rucker pointing a rifle at officers from behind a couch in the apartment.

Rucker’s family said he was never armed.

“Release the bodycam footage,” Reed said.

Prosecutors said the officers then kept running after the first armed suspect outside of the unit, in the hallway. And that’s where police said an officer unintentionally shot Rivera in the back during the pursuit. That was only shot fired that night.

Rucker ran outside, where he was later found hiding nearby. Police said he was not armed when he was arrested, but said weapons and drugs were found in the apartment.

Investigators said Rucker lives in Freeport, Illinois.

“The officers were never in pursuit of him,” reed said. “It was someone else that still, to this day, they have not caught.”

When asked about the police bodycam video, COPA said it’s still investigating.

Chicago police wouldn’t say if they’re still searching for the armed suspect who officers were initially chasing that night.

Rucker is expected back in court on Friday.

A prayer vigil was held Wednesday night for Officer Rivera at the 6th District police station where she worked at 78th and Halsted.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Former ESPN Host Blasts Boy Competing Against Daughter

Ex-ESPN Host Criticizes Boy Competing Against His Daughter in Sports Event

Outrage Erupts as Christian Ponder’s Wife Criticizes Transgender Participation in Girls’ Sports…
New York City ICE raid nets 9 arrests of illegal aliens from West Africa, 4 protesters also arrested

NYC ICE Operation: 9 West African Nationals Arrested, 4 Protesters Detained Amid Immigration Crackdown

The bustling streets of New York City’s Chinatown became the focal point…
Fernandina Beach rejects ban on downtown paid parking

Fernandina Beach Decides Against Prohibiting Paid Parking Downtown

As discussions continue around the paid parking plan, the commissioners have decided…
Family fights for father's release from ICE custody after Crestwood arrest, details conditions at Broadview facility

Family Battles for Father’s Freedom: Inside the Harrowing Conditions at Broadview ICE Facility After Crestwood Arrest

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mariana Cabrera recounted the tense hours her family endured,…
Kim Iversen Highlights Assault Allegations in Giuffre’s Memoir

Kim Iversen Sheds Light on Explosive Assault Allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s Revealing Memoir

During a recent episode of The Kim Iversen Show, independent journalist Kim Iversen…
Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich shares message from Catholic Church to undocumented immigrants in US

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich Delivers Important Message to Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S.

CHICAGO — Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago released a series of videos…
Florida mother accused of killing her son, sheriff says

Florida Mother Charged in Tragic Death of Her Son, Authorities Report

LAND O’LAKES, Fla. (WFLA) — In a tragic turn of events, the…
Howard University professor calls on White political allies to emulate vigilante mass murderer

Howard University Professor Urges White Allies to Reflect on Controversial Vigilante Actions

A professor from Howard University known for her far-left views has stirred…
ted cruz, eric johnson, daniel comeaux speaks during conference

Dallas Mayor Criticizes Police Chief’s Solo Move to Turn Down $25M ICE Grant, Sparking Controversy

In Dallas, a debate has erupted among city leaders over the role…
Vermont police search for student who vanished from Middlebury College

Vermont Authorities Intensify Search for Missing Middlebury College Student

Authorities in Vermont have initiated an extensive search for a missing senior…
Immigrant rights group calls for removing pregnant women from detention

Advocacy Group Urges Release of Expectant Mothers from Detention Facilities

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Pregnant women detained by U.S. immigration authorities…
Luigi Mangione claims he was beaten by seven 'ladyboys' in Thailand months before CEO killing: report

Shocking Twist: Luigi Mangione Alleges Assault by ‘Ladyboys’ in Thailand Before High-Profile CEO Murder

Luigi Mangione, once a promising Ivy League student, is now embroiled in…