COPA Legrier Report

LOG NO TYPE DATE OF REPORT
SUMMARY REPORT
1078616 CR, U 22-DEC-2017
CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
INSTRUCTIONS: SUBMIT ORIGINAL AND 3 COPIES IF ASSIGNED TO SAME UNIT AS ACCUSED.
SUBMIT ORIGINAL AND 4 COPIES IF NOT ASSIGNED TO SAME UNIT AS
TO: CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR, CHIEF,

CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BUREAU OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
FROM - INVESTIGATOR'S NAME RANK STAR NO EMPLOYEE NO UNIT ASSIGNED UNIT DETAILED
MORLEY, CHANTALL 9182 113
REFERENCE NOS.(LIST ALL RELATED C.L., C.B., I.R., INVENTORY NOS., ETC., PERTINENT OF THIS INVESTIGATION)
INCIDENT ADDRESS: CHICAGO, IL 60644 DATE / TIME:26-DEC-2015 04:25 BEAT: 1111
ACCUSED
NAME RANK STAR NO EMP NO UNIT UNIT SEX/RACE DOB APPOINTED ON SWORN
ASSIGNED DETAILED DATE DUTY ? ?
RIALMO, ROBERT L 9161 15588 011 016 M / WWH 1989 05-OCT-2012 YES YES
REPORTING PARTY
NAME ADDRESS" CITY TELEPHONE SEX/RACE DOB/AGE
STAPLES, MELISSA RANK: 9785,STAR NO: 419, EMP NO: F / WHI 1966 / 51
VICTIMS
NAME ADDRESS* CITY TELEPHONE SEX/RACE DOB/AGE
F / BLK / 57
CHICAGO, IL
M / BLK 121
CHICAGO, IL
WITNESSES
NAME ADDRESS* CITY TELEPHONE SEX/RACE DOB/AGE
M / BLK 1968 / 49
CHICAGO, IL
LAPALERMO, ANTHONY RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 16727,EMP NO: Bad Phone No: M / WHI 1982 / 35
4112
MIESZCAK, DANIEL RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 15757,EMP NO: M / WHI 1987 / 30
FLORES, EDUARDO RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 17622,EMP NO: M / WWH 1977 / 40
ZAMBRANO, EMMANUEL RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 3325,EMP NO: M / WWH 1984 / 33
LEON, RYAN RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 14022,EMP NO: M / WWH 1985 / 32
LUKE, JERRY RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 18017,EMP NO: M / API 1989 / 28
MARTIN, DARRYL RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 18679,EMP NO: M / BLK 1977 / 40
CLARK, ROBERT RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 2795,EMP NO: M / WHI -1985 / 32
SILER, CHAVEZ RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 7068,EMP NO: M / BLK 1972 / 45
DELGADO, CARLOS RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 2814,EMP NO: M / WWH 1978 / 39
MCGUIRE, CHRIS RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 7846,EMP NO: M / WHI 1969 / 48
MORELAND, DONALD RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 19137,EMP NO: M / WHI -1985 / 32
CIECIEL, STEVEN RANK: 9171,STAR NO: 1515,EMP NO: M / WHI -1973 / 44
GRANEY, PATRICK RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 12995,EMP NO: M / WHI -1986 / 31
JOYCE, BRANDON RANK: 9164,STAR NO: 18243,EMP NO: M/I 1982 / 35
WNEK, LUKASZ RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 8134,EMP NO: M / WHI -1982 / 35
SMITH, HODGES RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 17084,EMP NO: M / BLK -1981 / 36
CPD-44.112-IPRA (Rev. 2/12) Page 1 1078616

SUMMARY REPORT
1078616 CR, U 22-DEC-2017
NAME ADDRESS* CITY TELEPHONE SEX / RACE DOB / AGE

ELARDE, JONATHAN RANK: 9161,STAR Na19129,EMP NO: M / WHI 1983 / 34
KLEMENS, SERGUEY RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 10272,EMP NO: M /WHI 1973 / 44
HOSS, MARK RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 9126,EMP NO: M / WHI 1986 / 31
DUFFY, NEIL RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 2967,EMP NO: M / WHI 1986 / 31
KEENAN, STEPHEN RANK: 9171,STAR NO: 2019,EMP NO: M / WHI 1967 / 50
BAKULA, THOMAS RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 15313,EMP NO: M / WHI 1985 / 32
CHOVANEC, NICHOLAS RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 11376,EMP NO: M / WHI 1987 / 29
VACI, MATTHEW RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 19219,EMP NO: M / WHI 1985 / 32
VITELLARO, RICHARD RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 17430,EMP NO: M / WHI 1979 / 38
STUART, STEPHANIE RANK: 9173,STAR NO: 330,EMP NO: F / BLK 1960 / 57
CATALANO, MICHAEL RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 17153,EMP NO: M / WHI 1987 / 30
KATSANTONES, MICHAEL RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 7698,EMP NO: M / WHI 1986 / 31
SCHWANDT, ROBERT RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 16015,EMP NO: M / WHI 1982 / 35
GATHINGS, JOE RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 3138,EMP NO: M / BLK 1957 / 60
JAROSZEWSKI, JOSEPH RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 17776,EMP NO: M / WHI 1987 / 30
WHALEN, WILLIAM RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 6620,EMP NO: M / WHI 1985 / 32
ZAGORSKI, RUSSELL RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 6285,EMP NO: M / WHI 1987 / 30
MORALES, JOSE RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 14163,EMP NO: M/S 1972 / 45
MCCABE, DAN RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 4963,EMP NO: M / WHI 1982 / 35
HORAN, JOHN RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 16804,EMP NO: M / WHI 1976 / 41
KUCZEK, KAMIL RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 14240,EMP NO: M / WHI 1985 / 32
TRUJILLO, ESTEBAN RANK: 9164,STAR NO: 9240,EMP NO: M/S 1974 / 42
KIRSCHNER, JEFFREY RANK: 9161,STAR NO: ,EMP NO: M / WHI 1967 / 50
PURVIS, ROBERT RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 8323,EMP NO: M / WHI 1971 / 46
DECANTO, CHRISTOPH RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 16028,EMP NO: M /WHI 1978 / 39
MOCK, LLOYD RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 12683,EMP NO: M / WHI 1964 / 53
LOPEZ, TAISA RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 19547,EMP NO: F / WHI 1982 / 35
SWEEZER, DIONDRE RANK: 9161,STAR NO: 19307,EMP NO: M / BLK 1983 / 33
XANOS, NICHOLAS RANK: 9165,STAR NO: 21091,EMP NO: M / WHI 1971 / 46
SCHOEFF, ANDREW RANK: 9171,STAR NO: 1249,EMP NO: M / WHI 969 1 48
MC MURRAY, JOHN RANK: 9173,STAR NO: 298,EMP NO: M / WHI 1957 / 60
CURRY, JOHN RANK: 9171,STAR NO: 1714,EMP NO: M / WHI 1975 / 42
WELLS, WILLIAM CHICAGO, IL M / BLK 1974 1 43
DIGIOVANNI, JOSEPH M / WHI /
BOJAROWICZ, DANIEL M / WHI /
HOPPENRATH, KATIE F / WHI /
KURYLA, MICHAEL M / WHI I
LEMPA, LAWRENCE M / WHI /
RICE, MATTHEW M / WHI /
KELLY, JAMES M /WHI /
DAVIS, JAMES M/WHI /
COOKSEY, JANET CHICAGO, IL F / BLK 1966 / 51
MERCADO, MARCO CHICAGO, IL M / WWH 1967 / 50
PRATT, JUSTINE CHICAGO, IL M/U /
ESCOBAR, KRISTIN CHICAGO, IL F/U /
CLAXTON, LORI CHICAGO, IL F/ /
CPD-44.112-IPRA (Rev. 2/12) Page 2 1078616

SUMMARY REPORT
1078616 CR, U 22-DEC-2017
NAME [—ADDRESS* CITY TELEPHONE SEX/RACE DOB/AGE

* IF GPO MEMBER, UST RANK, STAR, EMPLOYEE NOS. IN ADDRESS, PAX/BELL IN TELEPHONE BOX.
ALLEGATIONS
** SEE LAST PAGE FOR INSTRUCTIONS FOR STATING ALLEGATIONS, AND COMPLETING THE REMAINDER OF THE SUMMARY REPORT.
SEE REPORT.
CPD-44.112-IPRA (Rev. 2/12) Page 3 1078616

CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY 22 December 2017
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
I. INTRODUCTION
In the early morning hours of December 26, 2015, Chicago Police Department (CPD)
Officers Robert Rialmo and Anthony LaPalermo responded to a domestic disturbance call
involving a male armed with a baseball bat. Upon arrival, Officers Rialmo and LaPalermo
approached the residence and rang the doorbell. A female, now known to be first-floor resident
opened the door. Within seconds of opening the door,
came down the second-floor stairway toward the officers. opened the door
with an aluminum baseball bat in hand. Officers Rialmo and LaPalermo retreated down
the exterior stairs and Officer Rialmo discharged his weapon, striking several times.
was also struck by gunfire. EMS transported to John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital
and to Loretto Hospital. Both victims passed away.
II. ALLEGATIONS
It is alleged by in Civil Suit 2015L012964, that on December 26, 2015,

at approximately 4:25 a.m., at Officer Robert L. Rialmo, #15588, while on
duty:
1. Shot without justification; and
2. Failed to provide with medical attention.
It is further alleged by in Civil Suit 2016L000012, that on December 26,

2015, at approximately 4:25 a.m., at Officer Robert L. Rialmo, #15588:
3. Fired multiple times into a home occupied by persons who would be at risk of injury or death;
4. Fired in the direction of which resulted in her death;
5. Shot without justification; and
6. Failed to provide with medical attention.
It is further alleged by COPA that Officer Robert L. Rialmo, #15588:
7. Failed to ensure that his taser certification was current from, on or about, February 06, 2014,
through, on or about, March 16, 2016.
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Log #1078616/ U#15-027
III. INVESTIGATION
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability's (COPA)1 conducted a two-year investigation

into this incident. The following is a summary of the most relevant evidence, including:
Department Reports, Chicago Fire Department Reports, photographs, witness interviews, physical
evidence, medical records, and a brief account of mental health history. The evidence
outlined in this report formed the basis of COPA' s analysis and findings in this matter.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Crime Scene Processing Reports
The Chicago Police Crime Scene Processing Report recorded under Report Number
291508, lists evidence collected on scene and inventoried. Such items include but are not limited
to seven (7) expended shells, two (2) fired bullets, a key ring with two keys, and a 28" / 23 oz
"Hostess" aluminum baseball bat. Blood swabs were collected from the carpet near the apartment
front entrance and inventoried. Additionally, Officer Rialmo's firearm was processed and
swabbed for DNA, collected and inventoried. The report further documents that the scene was
video-taped, photographed, and searched for physical evidence as noted above. A not to scale
field sketch diagram was drawn.
Forensic Investigator Brian Smith relocated to Loretto Hospital where he learned that
died. A visual examination of the body revealed an apparent gunshot wound to the
chest. body was photographed and fingerprinted for identification purposes. F/I Smith
subsequently went to Stroger Hospital where he learned that died. A visual
examination of the body revealed multiple gunshot wounds to the back, right hip, right buttocks,
and left chest area. body was photographed and fingerprinted for identification
purposes. (Att. 17)
The Crime Scene Processing Report for RD #HY550255 indicates that Officer Rialmo's
Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm semi-automatic pistol was recovered with a seventeen (17) round
capacity in the magazine. There were nine (9) live rounds of ammunition in the magazine, and one
(1) live round of ammunition in the chamber. Seven fired cartridge cases were recovered from the
sidewalk, parkway, and front yard of The aluminum baseball bat reportedly
used by was also recovered from the vestibule floor. (Att. 17)
291539, lists items collected and inventoried from the morgue. The items include a sealed
envelope marked "DNA" card (ME# 2015-05575 [sic]); Received from ME
Dr. Escobar-Alvarenga, a red short-sleeve medium t-shirt, blue large size Nike shorts, a sealed
On September 15, 2017, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) replaced the Independent Police
Review Authority (IPRA) as the civilian oversight agency of the Chicago Police Department. Thus, this
investigation, which began under IPRA, was transferred to COPA on September 15, 2017, and the
recommendation(s) set forth herein are the recommendation(s) of COPA.
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Log #1078616/ U#15-027
swab box marked "Oral Swab", (ME# 2015-05575 [sic]); Received from ME
Dr. Escobar-Alvarenga, and three (3) sealed bullet envelopes marked (ME# 2015-05575
[sic]); Received from ME Dr. Escobar-Alvarenga. (Att. 20)
291540, lists items collected and inventoried from the morgue. The items include a sealed
envelope marked "DNA" card (ME# 2015-05576 [sic]); Received from ME Dr.
Escobar-Alvarenga, one (1) sealed bullet envelope marked (ME# 2015-05576 [sic]);
Received from ME Dr. Escobar-Alvarenga, and a sealed swab box marked "Oral Swab", (ME#
2015-05576 ); Received from ME Dr. Escobar-Alvarenga. (Att. 21)
291770, detailed the request by IPRA personnel to take additional photographs of the building and
interior photographs of the second-floor apartment. Attorney Basileios J. Foutris was on scene
and listed on this report. IPRA personnel also requested bullet trajectory readings for the apparent
bullet damage in the front door of the building. Forensic Investigators marked and photographed
the apparent bullet damage but attempts at trajectory readings were unsuccessful. (Att. 64)
296333, lists items collected by the FBI at IPRA' s request. The items include two (2) bottles of
prescription drugs, one of which was labeled (
and the other ( ). Both items were
photographed and inventoried. (Att. 232)
Tactical Response Reports/Officer Battery Reports
Officer Robert Rialmo's Tactical Response Report (TRR) indicates that did not
follow verbal direction, posed an imminent threat of battery, attacked with a weapon, and used
force likely to cause death or great bodily harm by using a baseball bat. He added that the subject,
attempted to strike the responding officers with a baseball bat. Officer Rialmo
responded with member presence, verbal commands, and the discharge of his firearm. (Att. 7)
Officer Robert Rialmo's Battery Report (OBR) documents that on the date, time, and
location of the incident, Officer Robert Rialmo was in uniform, investigating the report of an
ambush with no warning, a suspicious person, and domestic disturbance.
"attacked officers by swinging an aluminum baseball bat." Officer Rialmo did not sustain any
injuries. (Att. 8)
Officer Anthony LaPalermo's Tactical Response Report (TRR) indicates that did
posed an imminent threat of battery, attacked with a weapon, and used force likely to cause death
or great bodily harm. He added that the subject, attempted to strike the responding
officer with a baseball bat. Officer LaPalermo responded with member presence and verbal
commands. (Att. 9)
Officer Anthony LaPalermo's Battery Report (OBR) documents that on the date, time, and
location of the incident, Officer LaPalermo was in uniform, investigating the report of an ambush
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Log #1078616/ U#15-027
with no warning and a domestic disturbance. The subject, had an aluminum
baseball bat. Officer LaPalermo did not sustain any injuries. (Att. 10).
The Chicago Police Department Inventory Sheets document the recovery and inventory of
all evidence recovered during the course of the investigation. This evidence includes the baseball
bat located in the vestibule, clothing, a key ring with two keys, one fired bullet,
expended shell casings, Officer Rialmo's firearm, pill bottles containing , and
other biological items. (Atts. 23, 67, 68, 69, 233)
Case Supplementary Reports
The Chicago Police Department Case Supplementary Report- Field Investigation Re-
classify Report, RD# HZ550255, submitted by Detective Daniel Jensen #20334, on January 4,
2016, detailed the re-classification of the Original offense of Assault / Aggravated: Other
Dangerous Weapon to the re-classification offense of Assault / Aggravated PO: Other Dangerous
Weapon. (Att. 76)
The Chicago Police Department Case Supplementary Report- Field Investigation

Progress- Violent (Scene) Report, RD# HZ103710, submitted by Detective Daniel Jensen,
#20334 on 04 January 2016, documents the details surrounding the incident, the involved parties,
injuries which the victims/subjects sustained, property/items that were inventoried, photographs
that were taken, video recovered and witnesses that were spoken with during a canvass conducted
by CPD personnel. The report documents that Officer Rialmo and Officer LaPalermo were
answering a disturbance call when the offender attacked them with a baseball bat before being shot
and killed by one of the officers.2 Detective Jensen interviewed boyfriend
father daughter Officer
Rialmo, Officer LaPalermo. Relevant portions of these interviews will be detailed as necessary in
the analysis of this case. (Attachment 77)
The Chicago Police Department Case Supplementary Report- Morgue Report, RD#
HZ103710, submitted by Sgt. Andrew Schoeff on March 21, 2016, documents that on December
27, 2015 Dr. Escobar performed an autopsy on the remains of and determined the
cause and manner of death to be a gunshot wound (GSW) of the chest and the manner being
Homicide. An external examination revealed a single gunshot wound to the center chest. (Att.
238)
The Chicago Police Department Case Supplementary Report- Morgue Report, RD#
HZ103710, submitted by Sgt. Andrew Schoeff on March 21, 2016, documents that on December
27, 2015 Dr. Escobar performed an autopsy on the remains of and determined
the cause and manner of death to be multiple gunshot wounds (MGSW) and the manner being
Homicide. An external examination revealed GSW numbered #1 entered the left inner elbow and
exit the left inner bicep, GSW numbered #2 entered the left ribcage and lodged, GSW numbered
2The Chicago Police Department Case Supplementary Report- Field Investigation Exc. Cleared Closed (Other
Exceptional) Report, RD# HZ103710, submitted by Detective Daniel Jensen on 04 January 2016, documents that the
investigation was Exc. Cleared Closed- death of the offender. The report indicates that the details of the investigation are
detailed under the Justifiable Homicide Report, RD# HZ10370. (Att. 78)
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Log #1078616/ U#15-027
#3 entered the small of the back just off-center and lodge, GSW numbered #4 entered the right
buttock, lodge and partially exit the right hip, a graze wound to the right upper back, and a graze
wound to the left rib cage. (Att. 239)
The Chicago Police Department Case Supplementary Report- Closed Non-Criminal,

RD# HZ103710, submitted by Detective Jensen received and viewed three discs with in-car
camera recordings for Beat 1199, vehicle #9269. The video did not capture anything significant
relating to this investigation. Detective Jensen documented that on January 25, 2016, he received
a second disc containing 911 recordings. The disc contained two calls to 911 from
and one call of shots fired that were not previously noted. The calls were summarized in
this report. Please see the audio attachments of said calls for details. Detective Jensen searched
the department databases for the callers' subscriber information. The information revealed that
the telephone number used by was an un-provisioned number that was never set up to
make telephone calls, however the telephone had the ability to call 911. The single call came back
to a . Detective Jensen called multiple times and left a voice
message with negative results.
Detective Jensen documented that the investigation revealed that Officer Rialmo was justified
in his use of deadly force against when he shot and killed to prevent
death or great bodily harm to himself. During the assault, was accidentally shot and
killed. Detective Jensen noted that based on the above facts and circumstances, the deaths have
been determined to be non-criminal in nature and requested that the case be Closed Non-Criminal.
(Att. 313)
CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT (CFD) REPORTS
The Chicago Fire Department Ambulance Report for (

documents that EMS personnel arrived at on December 26, 2015, at
0444. They found lying on his back in the doorway of the residence with multiple
gunshot wounds, including a gunshot wound to his chest. was pulseless, unresponsive,
and had massive bleeding. EMS personnel initiated resuscitation and CPR per policy requirements.
was transported to Stroger Hospital, and there was no change in his condition during
the drive in the ambulance. (Att. 18)
The Chicago Fire Department Ambulance Report for documents

that EMS personnel arrived at on December 26, 2015, at 0447. They found
sitting with a gunshot wound to her sternum. was pulseless and cold to the
touch. EMS personnel assessed that was dead on arrival. was transported to
Loretto Hospital. EMS personnel noted that there was a large crowd gathering at the scene, and
the crowd was hostile. (Att. #19)
CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT (CFD) STATEMENTS
In a statement to IPRA taken on January 22, 2016, Chicago Fire Department (CFD)
Ambulance Commander, Joseph DiGiovanni stated that on the date and time of incident, he was
assigned to ambulance 15, which is stationed at the firehouse located at 4900 W. Chicago Avenue.
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Log #1078616/ U#15-027
Commander DiGiovanni stated that he was in the fire house with his partner, Paramedic Michael
Kuryla, when his company was dispatched to the location of the incident. Commander DiGiovanni
stated that Engine 117, which is stationed at the same firehouse, and Ambulance 23, which is
stationed in a neighboring firehouse, were also dispatched. Commander DiGiovanni explained
that he and his partner grabbed their equipment, to include a stretcher and a stair chair3, and
proceeded to the front of the building where the incident took place.
Commander DiGiovanni stated that he walked up the front porch and found a male victim
"kinda layin' back on top of a female victim"4 in what he described as a domino effect, with his
head laying at about her knees and his feet slightly behind the threshold of the exterior door.
Commander DiGiovanni stated that neither nor showed any signs of life
on their initial arrival.
Commander DiGiovanni explained that with the help of a couple of the firemen, they
moved from the doorway, down the stairs and onto the stretcher. As his partner,
Paramedic Kuryla, and Lt. Smith placed in the ambulance, Commander DiGiovanni
placed on the stair chair and took her to Ambulance 23.
Commander DiGiovanni explained that when Mr. Q. was moved, Commander

DiGiovanni observed an aluminum baseball bat on the left side of body, as if he was
partially laying on it. Commander DiGiovanni explained that had some electrical
activity in his heart, and required full traumatic arrest treatment.
Commander DiGiovanni stated that while in the ambulance providing treatment to

Paramedic Hoppenrath informed him that they were transporting to Loretto
Hospital to have her pronounced deceased.
Commander DiGiovanni stated that he did not learn that the incident was a result of an
officer-involved shooting until he returned to the firehouse and watched it on the news. He stated
that he found it odd that no one informed him of such but explained that the CFD would not have
changed their actions if they had known this information.5 (Atts. 111, 113)
IPRA also took statements from Paramedics Katie Hoppenrath, Daniel Bojarowicz and
Michael Kuryla; firefighters Richard Kwansy and James Kelly; firefighter/EMTs Lawrence
Lempa and Matthew Rice; and Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant James Davis. Relevant
portions of these interviews will be detailed in the analysis section of this report as necessary.
(Atts. 119, 121, 115, 117, 128, 130, 164, 166, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 225, and 227)
3 Commander DiGiovanni explained that a stair chair is a portable folding contraption that can help convey patients
back and forth.
Statement of CFD Commander Joseph DiGiovanni, page 10, lines 7-10.
5 Commander DiGiovanni gave a second statement to IPRA on January 26, 2016. Relevant details of the follow up
statement will be discussed in the analysis as necessary. (Atts. 132, 134)
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Log #1078616/ U#15-027
PHOTOGRAPHS
The Evidence Technician's Photographs, taken on December 26, 2015, depict the
exterior and interior of the exteriors of surrounding residences, the street, the
locations of the bullet casings, the locations of bullet holes in the exterior and interior of
wounds, wounds, and Officer Rialmo. (Atts. 60,
105). A sample of the photos of the scene is as follows.
10
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
The Medical Examiner's Photographs of taken on December 27,

2015, show the three bullets recovered from right hip, right shoulder, and lumbar
spine. The photographs also depict clothes and wounds. There are bullet
wounds on his right hip, upper left abdominal area, right buttocks, and a large graze wound on his
back near his right shoulder. (Att. 106)
The Medical Examiner's Photographs of taken on December 27, 2015,

show the bullet recovered from the left side of back. The photographs also depict
bullet wound, located in the middle of her chest, and her clothing. (Att. 107)
CIVILIAN STATEMENTS
In a statement to IPRA on December 26, 2015, stated that his son,

was staying with him in his apartment at for approximately one
and a half weeks before the shooting. was home from college for the holiday break.
explained that his son had recently been experiencing some ,
which he believed were due to a . said that approximately four months
prior, doctors at Weiss Hospital had told that
11
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
a. was n but had recently stopped taking his
stated that had been angry in the last few days, primarily due to his
relationships with both his mother and his foster parent. On Christmas Eve, came to
pick up After she dropped him off at home the next morning, told
that he had "unleashed all that rage, not the physical but verbally." told that he
had an "outbreak" or "breakthrough" and felt much better after speaking with his mother, also
stating that "she can't control me no more" and "I'm God." attempted to calm his son
down, but explained that he had other commitments during the day.
Three days before the shooting, noticed that the baseball bat that he kept in the
bathroom was missing. He did not know where it was, but assumed had moved it and
told him to put it back. He believed that was angry and had heard pacing
around the apartment late at night for the week leading up to the shooting. would
sometimes knock on bedroom door, and stated that he put a 2x4 piece of wood
by his door to bolt it because he "ain't know what his [ ] intentions were" and did not
want to be able to enter his bedroom while he was sleeping.
left the apartment on Christmas day to spend time with different family members
and arrived home at approximately 1 a.m. on December 26, 2015. When he returned, he heard
yelling at the apartment and realized it was coming from his unit. He found standing in
the living room and attempted to calm him down. went to sit on the couch, and
went to bed. After he fell asleep, woke up to the sound of hitting his bedroom
door. He called 911 and requested police assistance. called his downstairs neighbor
to inform her that he called the police because of a dispute with and to listen out
for the police. began tapping on door with a baseball bat but soon left to go
downstairs.
stated that he was on his way downstairs after hearing that had walked
away and was about halfway down the stairs when he heard say "hey, hey, hey" and
then the "pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop" of rapid gunfire. He proceeded downstairs and
saw lying face-down in doorway. The officers instructed him to put his
hands up, and he began asking "is everyone okay?" stated that he then heard one of the
officers say, "oh shit, oh shit, what the F. What the F, oh god." The officer then said, "I saw a
baseball bat, I thought he was gonna lunge at me." stated that he believed the officer "saw
a bat [and] he just started shootin' randomly," although he did not actually witness the shooting
because both the officer and were still out of sight as he descended the stairs.
also stated that he believed the shooting officer was 30 feet away when he shot at based
on where the officer was standing as he finished coming down the stairs, and his belief was
confirmed after he saw the location of the bullet casings as officers escorted him from his home a
few hours after the shooting had occurred. He explained that given the distance between the officer
and and thin frame, there was "no immediate threat" to the officers and the
officer was "shooting blindly." (Att. 44)
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Log #1078616/ U#15-027
On December 26, 2015, placed three calls to 911. During his first
call on December 26, 2015 at 4:18 a.m., spoke to a dispatcher and stated that he needed
an officer at his address. The dispatcher asked, "What's wrong?", to which replied that
he just needed an officer. The dispatcher told "it doesn't work like that" ... and again
the dispatcher asked about the nature of the emergency. again stated that he needed and
officer and that someone was threatening his life. The dispatcher asked if the person was there
with to which he responded "Yes."
The dispatcher asked his name to which he responded . He again pleaded

for the dispatcher to send an officer. The dispatcher said that she would send an officer after
answered her questions. stated "There's an emergency!", to which the
dispatcher said that if could not answer the questions, she would hang up.
last words to the dispatcher during this call were "I need the police!" The dispatcher responded by
terminating the call.
Two minutes later, at 4:20 a.m., called 911 again. He asked the dispatcher who
answered if the police were sent. The dispatcher asked his location to which he
responded with his address and ask
an apartment and he responded with his address again. The
dispatcher repeated the original question and said that it was a house and asked again
"Can you please send the police?" The dispatcher then asked for his name to which he
responded, "Can you please send the police!" The dispatcher responded "After you tell me what's
going on. What's your name?" stated one last time "Can you please send the police?"
After which the call ended.
called 911 a third time one minute after his previous call at 4:21 a.m. He
immediately stated after the dispatcher answered, "Can you please send the police?" The
dispatcher asked, "To where?" to which responded with his address. The dispatcher
asked "What is wrong?" and he responded that there is an emergency. The dispatcher
stated, "I need to know what's wrong." responded "Someone's threatening my life."
The dispatcher asked who is threatening life, and where they are now.
responded that the person is at his house. The dispatcher asked his name, to which he
responded
The dispatcher asked, "Where they gonna meet you?" and responded "Are you
gonna send the police already? Fuck this nonsense lady!" The dispatcher asked if he
was at the house. audibly frustrated, used profanity and stated, "Fuck it (inaudible)
they, shit, (inaudible)." The dispatcher asked again "Are you at the house?" response
was inaudible. The dispatcher said "Hello?" and said "There's something wrong with
you."
The dispatcher said "Hello? Do you need the police or no? Hello?" responded,
"Are you gonna send the police or not?" The dispatcher then asked, "You gonna answer my
question?" said, "Fuckin' talkin' to me?" The dispatcher said "I'm talking to you. If
you can't answer the questions, how do you expect me to assist you?" responded,
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"Already told you I'm at the house." The dispatcher stated that did not convey this
information and asked if any weapons were involved to which responded "Naw."
The dispatcher then asks, "Where are you gonna be?" and responds, "Folk, fuckin'
playin' with me." The dispatcher says, "Hello?" stated, "Stop fuckin' playin' with me."
The dispatcher then stated, "Are you talkin' to me or someone else 'cause my name ain't folk?"
The call ended. (Atts. 14, 15, 54, 93, 94, 95, 527)
On December 26, 2015, placed a call to 911. The call was placed at
4:24 a.m., three minutes after third call to police. The police were not dispatched after
any of calls. When the dispatcher answered, asked the dispatcher to send the
police to his address. The dispatcher asks what happened. His response is inaudible. The
dispatcher asks whether the residence is a house or apartment and responds that it's a
house and he is on the second floor. The dispatcher asks if any weapons are involved and
states that his son has a baseball bat. The dispatcher asks how old is and states
"19". The dispatcher asks if has been drinking and says that he does not think
so. Finally, the dispatcher asks for his name, he responds with his first and last name and
the dispatcher tells to watch for the police. The call ends. (Att. 15, 96)
In a statement to IPRA on December 26, 2015, stated that he,

and her daughter, had been living on the first floor of
for approximately three or four years, and their landlord, ,
lived upstairs. did not have any contact with in the days prior to the incident.
explained that he and were in bed asleep when she received a call
from the landlord. The landlord asked her to open the front door for the police because he was
having problems with his son upstairs. told not to open the door because whatever
was going on between and was business and his son."
continued to look out the window waiting for the police officers.
When the officers arrived, they rang the doorbell and knocked on the door. went
to open the door, and, upon hearing the knocking, came running down the stairs.
was still in his bedroom and did not see come down the stairs nor witness the
shooting. He estimated that he heard six or seven shots. He did not hear any verbal commands
from the officers prior to the shots, but afterwards heard the officers direct him and
daughter, to put their hands in the air as they attempted to approach
stated that the officers did not allow him or to approach before the
ambulance arrived. When he first saw she was on the ground shaking. was
lying on her back and was face-down with his head at feet. There was a
baseball bat beside
When initially looked out of the door after the shooting, he could see two or
three officers in uniform on the sidewalk, close to the street. (Atts. 36, 38, 39, 56, 167, 215)
In a statement to IPRA, taken on 21 January 2016, stated that she is the

biological mother of explained that at about five (5) years of age,
14
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
was taken into foster care and he lived with his foster mother, for most
of his life.
stated that stayed with her a few days during his Christmas break
from school. explained that had been acting "different" during this visit
and elaborated that he was "more vocal" compared to his normal quiet demeanor.
explained that she would catch talking to himself, at times referencing himself to be
"God."
stated that in September of 2015, had been h

During
, which could not remember the names of the
on the date of the interview. explained that college friend,
informed her that acted "aggressive" and "loud" while he was on the and in
turn, she [ asked to take the away from
stated that during winter break visit, she was under the assumption that he was no
longer taking the
also reported that she believed was molesting and

therefore asked the Medical Examiner to conduct further testing on him. (Atts. 123, 126)
CPD OFFICER STATEMENTS6
In a statement to IPRA on July 26, 2016, Detective Daniel Jensen #20334 stated that he
was assigned to the police-involved shooting at Detective Jensen arrived at
at approximately 5:05 am. He noted that there were already several cars in
the area and that the two victims had already been removed.
Detective Jensen first spoke with Lieutenant Stuart, who gave him a summary of what had
occurred. Detective Jensen then noted Officers Rialmo and LaPalermo sitting in the front seats of
a squad car. He approached them and asked if they needed anything before surveying the scene.
He noticed three shell casings on the sidewalk, two shell casings in the parkway, and one shell
casing in the grass. Detective Jensen also observed blood on the stairs, porch, and vestibule of the
house. The aluminum baseball bat and a set of keys were in the vestibule area.
Detective Jensen first spoke with and later interviewed

Those conversations are documented in a Detective's Supplementary Report. Detective Jensen
then spoke with Officers Rialmo and LaPalermo individually.
After departing from the scene, Detective Jensen went back to the station and interviewed
and These conversations are documented in a Detective's
6 IPRA took statements from Officers Flores, Mieszcak, Graney and Catalano, Sgt. Steven Cieciel, and Lt. Stephanie
Stuart. Relevant portions of these interviews will be incorporated into the analyses as necessary. (Atts. 247, 248,
250, 251, 290, 291, 366, 367, 408, 409, 446, 463, 464, 293, 294, 456, 457, )
Captured in attachment 77.
15
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
Supplementary Reports. also added that he was on the stairs when he heard the gunshots
and, after the shots had stopped, he looked down and saw an officer approximately 30 feet away
from the door crouching with his gun drawn. stated that he heard one of the officers say
"I thought he was going to lunge at me. Oh, fuck. No. No."
On December 28, 2015, Detective Jensen brought Officers Rialmo and LaPalermo back to
the station for , a second interview. These conversations are documented in a Detective's
Supplementary Report9. Detective Jensen noted that there were some differences in Officer
Rialmo's statement. In his first statement, Officer Rialmo stated that went back to her
apartment. In the second interview, Officer Rialmo stated that positioned himself
between Officer Rialmo and In the second interview, Officer Rialmo also added that
was swinging the bat, specifically downward and then upward again. Officer Rialmo
maintained that he had given verbal commands. (Att. 412)
In a statement to IPRA on January 4, 2016, Officer Anthony LaPalermo, #16727,

stated that he was on-duty and in uniform on December 26, 2015. Officer LaPalermo was working
beat 1172R, a marked van, with Officer Robert Rialmo. Officers Rialmo and LaPalermo received
a call over the radio, also transmitted through the PDT, of a domestic disturbance. Officer
LaPalermo recalled the message stating that a male caller said that his son was beating on his
bedroom door with a bat. The message also stated that the son had called, but Officer LaPalermo
believed that his call was "a lil messed up." When asked to explain, Officer LaPalermo stated that
the call "was kinda gibberish." Officers Rialmo and LaPalermo turned on the lights of their van
and proceeded toward
Officers Rialmo and LaPalermo initially drove the wrong way down and parked
directly in front of the residence. Officer LaPalermo stood behind Officer Rialmo as he rang the
doorbell. quickly came to the door and whispered "upstairs, upstairs" as she gestured
upwards. The door opened inwards but she did not open it all the way; Officer LaPalermo could
only see apartment and not the door or stairwell to the right. Though it was still dark
outside, there was a light on the front porch and a light in the front hall of the residence.
turned and walked back to her apartment.
Officer LaPalermo recalled seeing a "flash" across the light of the stairway and heard
running down the stairs quickly. The door suddenly whipped open and came
out with a bat raised above his head. He was holding the bat with both hands, slightly above his
right shoulder, "ready to strike down" on the officers. Officer LaPalermo described the situation
as "pure ambush" and described as "combative." He noted that no verbal commands
were given because there was not enough time, and that there was "no chance" these commands
could have been given. He also explained that the situation unfolded too quickly for the officers to
notice any signs of mental health issues or the presence of drugs or alcohol.
Officer Rialmo was approximately two feet from when opened the
door. Officer LaPalermo grabbed Officer Rialmo's left shoulder and said, "look out." Officer
LaPalermo had one foot on the stairs and one foot on the porch before he looked down and began
8 Captured in attachment 77.

9 Captured in attachment 77.
16
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
to retreat down the stairs backwards. He did not see if made any other movements after
he looked down and he did not know the distance between and Officer Rialmo when
Officer Rialmo began shooting.
Officer LaPalermo stated that he started to un-holster his weapon but saw that his partner
was already shooting when he looked up. He did not see when Officer Rialmo first started firing
because he was looking down. He said that when he saw Officer Rialmo shooting, Officer Rialmo
was on the steps and was on the porch. He confirmed that he did actually see Officer
Rialmo fire some of the shots, though the shots were so rapid that he did not know how many he
observed. He did not know which step Officer Rialmo was on when he was firing. Officer
LaPalermo explained that because he was standing behind his partner, he could not fire or he would
have struck Officer Rialmo. Officer Rialmo was backpedaling down the stairs as he was shooting.
Officer LaPalermo was backing up towards the left while Officer Rialmo went slightly right. When
Officer Rialmo had ceased shooting at the bottom of the steps, Officer LaPalermo had reached the
grass close to the sidewalk and Officer Rialmo was at the bottom of the steps.
Officer LaPalermo observed drop the bat, put his hands on his upper body, and
say "oh fuck, oh fuck," before collapsing. body fell partially in the foyer, with his feet
hanging out of the threshold. Officer LaPalermo denied that turned around and moved
forward into the vestibule; instead, he said "[h]e just fell." Officer LaPalermo heard the aluminum
bat hit the porch and did not know how it ended up in the vestibule. Neither he nor Officer Rialmo
moved the baseball bat.
Officer LaPalermo immediately went over the air, saying "shots fired, shots fired." He
believed that Officer Rialmo also went over the air. The officers then called for an ambulance.
Officer LaPalermo had initially requested only one ambulance because he could not see
but Officer Rialmo quickly interjected and stated, "two down." Officer Rialmo had a better
view into the vestibule area from the area where he was standing. As the officers were calling for
ambulances, within 30 seconds or a minute of the shooting, Officer LaPalermo heard someone,
now identified as yelling from the building "you did what you had to do, you did
what you had to do." The person then stated, "I'm the father I called." Officer LaPalermo could
not see this person. Officer LaPalermo moved to the street behind a car to take cover because
Officer LaPalermo was not sure if anybody else was coming out of the apartment. While Officer
LaPalermo moved behind the car, Officer Rialmo had a "lil conversation" with
who was still inside of the house. asked the officers to call for an ambulance.
Officer Rialmo said to "what the fuck, dad," as a means of asking

why he would let his son come and "ambush" the officers. kept repeating
"you did what you had to do."
Officer LaPalermo kept his gun drawn for "a while" because he did not know if there were
any other threats present. He and Officer Rialmo instructed not to move, and
did not come down the stairs until other units had arrived. He noted a male resident on
the first floor, but did not speak with him or find out who he was.
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Log #1078616/ U#15-027
Officer LaPalermo stated that Officer Rialmo had no other option than to shoot because he
was about to get hit in the head with a baseball bat. Officer LaPalermo stayed by the sidewalk as
he waited for a supervisor, and both he and Officer Rialmo were across the street from the
residence when the ambulances arrived. and were carried out at
the same time. Officers LaPalermo and Rialmo spoke to each other after the incident, but their
conversation was limited to making sure the other was alright. He stated that they did not discuss
any details of what had just occurred. The officers spoke with their supervisor at the same time.
Officer LaPalermo did not sustain any injuries and was not alcohol or drug tested. He was armed
with a 9mm SIG Sauer; Officer LaPalermo was not equipped with a Taser. (Att. 72)
In a statement to IPRA on June 29, 2016, Officer Robert Rialmo #15588 stated that he
began his shift at 10:30 p.m. on the night of December 25, 2015. Officer Rialmo was working with
Officer Anthony LaPalermo, although Officer LaPalermo was not his usual partner. Officers
Rialmo and LaPalermo were sitting in their squad car when they received a call for a domestic
disturbance. Officer Rialmo was the driver of the van. As they exited the vehicle, he recalled
Officer LaPalermo stating that somebody may be armed with a baseball bat, information that
Officer Rialmo believed Officer LaPalermo learned from the PDT after receiving the radio call.
He responded "okay, got it".
Officers Rialmo and LaPalermo reached the location approximately 10 to 15 minutes after
receiving the call and observed a two-story house. Officer Rialmo knocked and rang the doorbell.
A woman, now identified as answered and stated, "it's upstairs" while motioning
upwards. The door opened inwards and opened it slightly. Officer Rialmo responded
"ok thank you" and retreated into the vestibule area towards her apartment door on
the left. Officer Rialmo could not see anyone else in apartment and she did not
mention any other residents. He could not recall whether he told to return to her
apartment.
In his first statement to detectives, Officer Rialmo stated that turned and went
back into her apartment. He clarified that, consistent with his second statement, never
returned to her apartment after appeared. Seconds later, while Officer Rialmo was still
standing in the threshold, came charging down the stairs and swung both the door on
the right leading to the second-floor apartment and the front door open. He was holding an
aluminum baseball bat in his right hand. Officer Rialmo began to retreat and instructed
to "drop that bat" approximately ten times. As he reached the top step, standing in the
threshold, swung the bat downward. Officer LaPalermo grabbed Officer Rialmo's left shoulder
and screamed "watch out" as the officers continued to retreat and advanced towards
them. Officer Rialmo drew his weapon and, aiming for center mass, began firing from the top step
as he retreated, moving the gun from his hip towards his chest. He and Officer LaPalermo retreated
in order to create distance between themselves and
Officer Rialmo stated that a total of eight shots were fired. As Officer Rialmo was firing,
turned, stepped, grabbed his chest and stated, "oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck" before
collapsing. He fell "face down on his chest" across the threshold of the residence with his torso in
the vestibule and his legs in the doorway. Officer Rialmo ceased shooting once had
fallen. He estimated that he was standing approximately 3 feet away from during the
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Log #1078616/ U#15-027
first round of shots and approximately 8-10 feet away from during the last round of
shots.
Officer Rialmo then noticed that who was on her back with her lower half in
the vestibule area and upper half in her apartment doorway, had also been hit when he approached
to assess the situation. He stated that he could not see while he was firing because
was standing between them and his focus was solely on Officer LaPalermo
was behind a car taking cover when Officer Rialmo ceased firing. Officers Rialmo and LaPalermo
called for medical assistance over the radio as soon as Officer Rialmo had stopped firing.
Officer Rialmo continued to hold the other residents of at gunpoint

as they emerged from their apartments to gauge whether they were a threat. He turned to
and said what the fuck?" responded by repeating "you did what you had to do"
approximately two or three times." asked Officer Rialmo if she could go to
Officer Rialmo told her she could do so. She stated that she could feel a pulse on her mother
and Officer Rialmo directed her to keep talking to and to try and keep her awake. Officer
Rialmo did not provide assistance to or because he did not have his gloves
and was not a trained medic or EMT.'°
Officer Rialmo stated that he spoke with Officer LaPalermo to ensure that his partner was
"alright," but they did not discuss any details of what had occurred. Officer Rialmo clarified that
when he stated, "I fucked up" to Officer Hodges Smith, he meant that he had not intended to injure
He stated that "shooting an innocent lady was never my purpose.
Officer Rialmo was also asked about a text conversation between himself and a friend
where a racial slur was used.12 Officer Rialmo stated the conversation was with , a friend
from high school. The texts in question regarded another individual, , who also
attended high school with Officer Rialmo and asked Officer Rialmo in the
texts messages if they got any "niggas." Officer Rialmo explained that was asking him
if he and Officer Minneci had arrested anyone, and that uses the term "nigga" often.
Officer Rialmo's response to the text was "sort of lol... Long story."13 Officer Rialmo also
explained that the term "nigga" meant brother or friend in that context, and that he did not take
10 Officer Rialmo was in the Marine Corps from 2007-2012 where he learned "basic life savers," which he described
as learning to make a tourniquet and how to "stuff gauze in something.' Officer Rialmo also attended Law
Enforcement Medical Response Training, which he also recalls being primarily related to learning to make a
tourniquet. Officer Rialmo reiterated that he did not provide medical assistance to or
aside from calling for an ambulance because he was not an EMT or a medic and was not equipped with gloves or
gauze.
" In a statement to IPRA on May 12, 2016, Officer Hodges Smith, #17084, related that he was one of the first
officers on the scene after the radio call went out. He observed Officer Rialmo on the sidewalk "distraught and
cursing," saying "I fucked up, I flicked up. Fuck, fuck." Officer Smith told Officer Rialmo to calm down and
breathe, instructing him to "get his head straight" and to "relax, think about what happened and get his story
straight." Officer Smith explained that he knew Officer Rialmo was stressed and was going to need to speak with
many people following the incident, so his advice was to ensure that Officer Rialmo would be "able to clarify
verbally" what had occurred. Officer Rialmo did not tell Officer Smith any details about the incident, and Officer
Smith did not confirm that Officer Rialmo was the shooting officer until the following day. (See Aft. 297)
12 See attachment 476, pp. 55-65.
13 Aft. 476, page 62.
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Log #1078616/ U#15-027
offense to it. It should be noted that neither officer Rialmo nor identify as black. The
term "nigga" has a historically derogatory meaning for black people.
Officer Rialmo stated that he has never told that he is uncomfortable with the
word "nigga" but that he does not use it himself Officer Rialmo also explained that he gave an
interview to the Marshall Project and said that "the Academy was a joke," but clarified that he
meant that the job of a police officer cannot be taught.
At the time of the incident, Officer Rialmo had not received CIT training and was not
certified to carry a Taser. Although he had attended Taser training while in the Academy, his
certification had lapsed and he was required to recertify in order to carry a Taser. Officer Rialmo
explained that it was the duty of the officer to recertify his or her Taser certification, and as of
December 26, 2015, he had not yet taken the appropriate steps to recertify. Officer Rialmo was not
equipped with a Taser, baton, or OC spray on December 26, 2015. (Atts. 486, 487)
In a statement to IPRA on December 1, 2017, Officer Robert Rialmo #15588 stated that
due to his personal schedule, he allowed his taser recertification to lapse. Officer Rialmo added
that he Was working midnights at the time that he was due to recertify and he was unsure if there
were specific hours for the training or if he had to certify on his own time. (Att. 526)
MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE STATEMENTS
In a statement made to IPRA on October 17, 2017, Illinois State Police ("ISP")
Sergeant Cary Morin explained what information can be gained from a Leica Scan. Leica
provides a 3D laser scan of a crime scene. It is used to identify a bullet's trajectory. The Leica
Scan performed by ISP suggests that Officer Rialmo fired at least one of his shots at the bottom of
the stairs of house. ISP measured the trajectory of one bullet of the seven shots. This
trajectory line had a very slight upward angle. The height from the trajectory line to the top of the
stairs measured approximately 2.502 feet, with a five-degree variance, and the height from the
trajectory line to the walkway at the bottom of the stairs measured approximately 5.008 feet, with
a five-degree variance.
Based on these measurements, it is more probable than not that Officer Rialmo fired the
bullet that created this trajectory line while he was on the ground and not on the stairwell, because
if he had fired from on the stairs, it would require him to be quite low to the ground. However, the
Leica Scan does not definitively rule out Officer Rialmo having fired shots from the stairs. (Atts.
518, 519)
In a statement made to IPRA on August 29, 2017, Assistant Medical Examiner ("ME")
Dr. Kristin Escobar stated that she performed the autopsies for both and
Dr. Escobar indicated that suffered six gunshot wounds to his body. The shot numbered
"1" was located on the lateral left side of the chest. The shot numbered "2" was located on the
lower left side of his back. The shot numbered "3" was located on his right buttock, and the shot
numbered "4" was located on the posterior medial left arm. The shot numbered "5" was a graze
wound on the lateral left side of his chest and the shot numbered "6" was a graze wound on the
posterior right shoulder.
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Two of the wounds were exit wounds which Dr. Escobar used to help determine the path
of the bullets. The trajectory of five of six of bullet wounds was slightly upward. Dr.
Escobar could not determine the trajectory of one of wounds, which was a graze
wound. Dr. Escobar used a bullet probe as well as a ruler to determine the bullet's trajectory.
Stippling, which is characterized by red and purple lesions around the skin, is present when a
person is shot at close range, usually within two-feet. Stippling was not present in any of
bullet wounds, which leads us to believe that it is more likely than not that he was not
shot within close range.
suffered one bullet wound to the chest, without an exit point. It is unclear
whether the bullet that punctured went through (Atts. 514, 515)
In a statement made to IPRA on August 29, 2017, Supervising ME Investigator Lori

Claxton explained that the ME's Office characterizes a "mandatory scene" as one in which a set
of circumstances exists, which would require the ME's office to report to the scene of a homicide.
A "police involved shooting" is regarded as a mandatory scene. However, the ME's Office did not
respond to this incident because they did not receive notification by the CPD that this was an
officer involved shooting.
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE (ISP) FORENSIC LABORATORY REPORTS
Illinois State Police (ISP) Forensic Science Laboratory Reports document the
examination of recovered firearms evidence in this incident, to include the examination of Officer
Rialmo's weapon, which was found to be operable as received. An analysis of the reports shows
the following facts that are relevant to this investigation:
Seven (7) 9mm cartridge casings were collected and submitted for examination; the
ensuing examination shows that all of the recovered casings were fired from Officer Rialmo's
Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm semiautomatic pistol. Specifically:
• Two (2) 9mm cartridge casings recovered from the parkway in front of
were identified as having been fired from Officer Rialmo's weapon.
• One (1) 9mm cartridge casing recovered from the front yard of was
identified as having been fired from Officer Rialmo's weapon.
• One (1) 9mm cartridge casing recovered from the sidewalk, just east of
was identified as having been fired from Officer Rialmo's weapon.
• One (1) 9mm cartridge casings recovered from the sidewalk on the south side of
t was identified as having been fired from Officer Rialmo's weapon.
• Two (2) 9mm cartridge casings recovered from the sidewalk in front of
were identified as having been fired from Officer Rialmo's weapon.
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Log #1078616/ U#15-027
Seven (7) fired bullets were collected and submitted for examination; the ensuing
examination shows that all the recovered bullets were fired from Officer Rialmo's Smith &
Wesson M&P 9mm semiautomatic pistol. Specifically:
• Three (3) fired bullets recovered from body were identified as having
been fired from Officer Rialmo's weapon.
• One (1) fired bullet recovered from the front door of was identified
as having been fired from Officer Rialmo's weapon.
• One (1) fired bullet recovered from the glass block in the bathroom of
was identified as having been fired from Officer Rialmo's weapon.
• One (1) fired bullet recovered from body was identified as having been
fired from Officer Rialmo's weapon.
• One (1) fired bullet recovered by security personnel at Stroger Hospital, on the
gurney, was identified as having been fired from Officer Rialmo's weapon.
Additionally, the reports indicate that the baseball bat recovered from the foyer of
was swabbed for the presence of blood. The swabs from the bat were submitted for comparison to
the buccal swab collected from As of the time of this report, the results of that analysis
were still pending.I4 (Mts. 17, 438)
MEDICAL RECORDS
Medical Records for from Stroger Hospital

indicate that arrived pulseless on December 26, 2015 at 5:24 a.m. He presented multiple
gunshot wounds and traumatic arrest. He had two (2) wounds left of his chest, one (1) wound on
his upper/medial humerus, one (1) wound on his mid back, one (1) wound on his right medial
glute, and one (1) large graze wound over the right lateral scapula. was intubated prior
to his arrival, and there was an immediate initiation of CPR performed upon his arrival. He was
pronounced dead at 5:24 a.m. (Att. 135)
Medical Records for from Loretto Hospital indicate that

arrived at the hospital on December 26, 2015, at 5:24 a.m. She presented with one (1) gunshot
wound to the midsternal area. She was pronounced dead at arrival, and her time of death is listed
as 5:05 a.m. (Att. 153)
MEDICAL EXAMINER REPORTS
The Report of Postmortem Examination for indicates that the

autopsy of was performed in the morgue of the Cook County Medical Examiner's
14 An order was previously filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, No. 2015L12964 consolidated into
2016L000012, prohibiting Illinois State Police proposed testing of the bat and bullet from proceeding until further
order of the court. (Att. 468)
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Log #1078616/ U#15-027
Officer on December 26, 2015, beginning at 0750. The autopsy determined that had
sustained the following:
• A gunshot wound on the left lateral side of the chest that perforated the heart and
right lung. A copper jacketed projectile was recovered from the posterior right
shoulder. The direction of the wound track was left to right, upward, and slightly
front to back. There was no soot or stippling on the skin.
• A gunshot wound on the lower left side of the back that perforated the lumbar spine
and spinal cord, causing a subdural hemorrhage of the spinal cord. A copper
jacketed projectile was recovered from the 2' lumbar spine. The direction of the
wound track was back to front, upward, and left to right. There was no soot or
stippling on the skin.
• A gunshot wound on the right buttock that perforated the skin and the musculature
of the right buttock and hip. A copper jacketed projectile was recovered from the
right side of the hip. The direction of the wound track was back to front, upward,
and left to right. There was no soot or stippling of the skin.
• A gunshot wound on the left arm that perforated the skin, the tissue, and the
musculature of the left arm. There were no projectile or projectile fragments
recovered. The direction of the wound track was back to front, upward, and left to
right. There was no soot or stippling on the skin.
• A graze wound on the lateral left side of the chest.
• A graze wound on the posterior right shoulder.
• Superficial blunt force injuries on the left upper extremity and the face.
Defects on clothing correspond to the gunshot wounds described above. The

pathologist determined that the cause of death was Multiple Gunshot Wounds, and the manner was
Homicide.
A toxicology report found that tested positive for Delta-9 Carboxy THC and
Delta-9 THC, the active ingredient of marijuana. results were negative for all other
substances tested, including opiates. (Mts. 80, 221, 256)
The Report of Postmortem Examination for indicates that the autopsy

of was performed in the morgue of the Cook County Medical Examiner's Officer on
December 26, 2015, beginning at 1040. The autopsy determined that had sustained the
following:
• A single gunshot wound to the chest, which perforated the heart, aorta, and
esophagus. A copper jacketed projectile was recovered from the left side of the
back. The direction of the wound track was front to back, slightly downward, and
right to left. There was no soot or stippling on the skin.
clothing had no gunshot perforations. The pathologist determined that the cause
of death was Gunshot Wound of Chest, and the manner was Homicide.
toxicology report was negative for all substances tested. (Atts. 81, 222)
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COURT DOCUMENTS
The Complaint at Law in the Circuit Court of Cook County, filed by

acting individually and as the independent administrator for the estate of
alleges that the City of Chicago, through the actions of its employees, discharged a weapon which
resulted in the shooting and death of used excessive and inappropriate deadly
force without justification, and failed to provide medical care to after causing
his injuries. (Att. 84)
The Complaint at Law in the Circuit Court of Cook County, filed by

acting individually and as special administrator for the estate of alleges that the City
of Chicago, through the actions of Chicago Police Department officers, handled and discharged a
weapon which resulted in the death of used excessive force without legal or lawful
justification, and failed to provide medical care or assistance to after causing her
injuries. (Att. 85)
Officer Rialmo also filed a Counterclaim in the Circuit Court of Cook County against
as Special Administrator of the Estate of and a Cross-Claim
against the City of Chicago. (Atts. 528, 529). At the time of this summary report, the civil
proceedings were still ongoing.
DEPOSITIONS
In an April and May 2017 deposition, Officer Rialmo provided the following relevant
testimony.
Officer Rialmo stated that when he was arriving to home, he understood that
he and Officer LaPalermo were responding to a domestic disturbance. He also believed that
OEMC had indicated that "this individual might be armed with a bat." When asked what individual
Officer Rialmo meant by "this individual," he said "[w]hatever individual we were expected to
see. I wasn't sure."
Officer Rialmo stated that when he knocked on the door, opened and said "it's
upstairs." Officer Rialmo heard someone approaching from the top of the stairs "in a loud pounding
fashion" so he started to back pedal. He did not see where went as he began to back
pedal away from the doorway. He may have told to go back into her apartment, but he did
not know if he did. He agreed that the last place he saw was in the vestibule and that he
never saw her relocate out of the vestibule into her apartment.
Officer Rialmo stated that when he first saw was in the vestibule and
was holding the bat above his shoulder or head with both hands, in "the motion of ready to swing."
At this point, Officer Rialmo was "[o]n the porch, on the top step of the porch, probably." Officer
Rialmo stepped back to create distance, causing him to backpedal down the stairs. did
not say anything to Officer Rialmo. Officer Rialmo said to "Drop that bat."
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When reached the top step and Officer Rialmo was "[p]robably on the second
step" of the stairs, swung the bat toward Officer Rialmo from overhead in a downward
fashion. then swung the bat again and brought it back up to cock it. At this point,
was still close enough to hit Officer Rialmo with the bat. After cocked the
bat back, Officer Rialmo drew his weapon and said "Drop that bat."
On the following diagram (Exhibit 8), Officer Rialmo marked his and
positions when swung the bat. He used an "R" to signify his position and a "Q" to
signify .
ENTRY DOOR
SIDEWAIK WALKWAY
Officer Rialmo marked on the next diagram (Exhibit 9) his and positions when
Officer Rialmo fired his first shot. He described as being on the "top of the step" and
said he was on the steps when he started shooting. Officer Rialmo said he was back pedaling down
the stairs in a matter of seconds, so it was difficult for him to know exactly where his feet were
when he fired the first shot. Officer Rialmo later said that when had the bat raised up
over his right shoulder the second time, Officer Rialmo was on the bottom steps, retreating toward
the sidewalk. He continued to state that he started firing while on the stairs.
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E NTRY DOOR
4710W FAIR
STAIRS
sinmu A I .is; WALKWAY
Officer Rialmo said that as he started firing, was not moving. Officer Rialmo was then
asked whether he told IPRA that was moving, and he said that he did and that he
believed his statement to IPRA was accurate.
Finally, Officer Rialmo marked on the following diagram (Exhibit 10) his position when
he fired his last shot. He could not tell where was when he fired his last shot. He then
agreed that was not on the porch and that he was "in the vestibule area." Officer Rialmo
said that was holding the bat with both of his hands the entire time and never stopped
threatening Officer Rialmo while Officer Rialmo was firing.
26
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SIDEWALK WALKWAY
Officer Rialmo said he fired his gun six to seven times in less than a second. When Officer
Rialmo was firing at was moving and turning. Officer Rialmo stated that at
some point while he was shooting, said, "Fuck." This was the only thing that Officer
Rialmo heard say. was grabbing his chest at this point with his left hand,
while holding the bat with his right hand to his side. Officer Rialmo first stated he did not know
when dropped the bat. Officer Rialmo then said dropped the bat before
Officer Rialmo stopped firing. Officer Rialmo was then asked, "So after he dropped the bat, you
continued firing?" to which he responded, "This was in a half a second." He then stated
dropped the bat at the exact same time that Officer Rialmo stopped firing. When
dropped the bat, he was turned to his right, such that his left side and part of his back were facing
Officer Rialmo. Officer Rialmo knew was no longer a threat when he was on the ground
and the bat was out of his hands.
Officer Rialmo stated that when he fired his last shot, was upright. Officer
Rialmo realized was struck with a bullet when "screamed and grabbed for
his chest." Officer Rialmo said he had fired approximately six shots at that point. After
grabbed his chest, he fell to the floor on his front. The baseball bat "wound up on the wall in the
vestibule, along the wall." Officer Rialmo later said in his deposition that he stopped firing when
"was on the ground" and the bat was no longer in his hand.
Officer Rialmo was at the bottom of the steps when he finished shooting, almost right on
top of the steps. After he finished shooting, he approached the building and observed
and inside the vestibule. No portion of body was on the porch.
Using a toy weapon, Officer Rialmo demonstrated the highest possible place his weapon
could have been when he fired the first and last rounds. When he held the toy weapon in the highest
position, the distance from the floor to the bottom of the slide of the weapon measured 61 % inches,
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and the distance from the floor to the top of the weapon measured 62 % to 63 inches. Officer
Rialmo also held the toy weapon at the position he was holding it when he fired his first round,
near his holster. When the toy gun was in this position, the distance from the floor to the bottom
of the barrel measured 49 % inches and the distance from the floor to the top of the weapon
measured 50 and 1/2 to 50 and % inches. Officer Rialmo agreed that during each round, his weapon
would have been positioned between these highest and lowest points. Later in the deposition,
Officer Rialmo was again asked to demonstrate, using a toy gun, how he was holding his weapon
when he fired from the lowest point. During the second demonstration, the lowest level from
Officer Rialmo's hand to the ground measured 44 '/2 inches, and the highest level of the gun to the
ground measured 49 '/2 inches.
Following the shooting, Officer Rialmo saw halfway down the stairs with
his hands in front of him. Officer Rialmo asked "Dad, what the fuck?" Officer Rialmo
explained that, in his opinion, should have been controlling what was doing in
his apartment before calling the police. In response, said, "You did what you had to do"
multiple times. When saw he became more frantic, instructing Officer Rialmo to
call an ambulance.
Additional officers arrived on the scene. Officer Rialmo completed two walk-throughs on
the scene, one with Street Deputy Melissa Staples and one with Detective Jensen. Officer Rialmo
believed that he spoke on-scene to Detective Staples first, then to Lieutenant Stuart, then to
Detective Jensen. Officer Rialmo said that, to his knowledge, he told Detective Jensen the same
thing both times he spoke to Detective Jensen. He said he told Detective Jensen both times that
had a baseball bat over his head and he swung it at Officer Rialmo. Officer Rialmo
stated that Detective Jensen interviewed Officer Rialmo a second time at Area North on December
28, 2015, two days after the incident. Officer Rialmo did not know what additional information
Detective Jensen was seeking when he interviewed Officer Rialmo the second time. According to
Officer Rialmo, the interview on December 28 was planned with Detective Jensen on December
26. Officers Rialmo and LaPalermo had lunch sometime between the first and second interviews,
and they rode together to Area North for the second interview.
Officer Rialmo stated that on the date of the incident, he was not carrying a Taser. Officer Rialmo
said his Taser qualification had expired, and he had not had a chance to complete the annual Taser
requalification requirement.
In his April 2017 deposition, Officer LaPalermo testified that in the millisecond in which
he first saw he saw arm holding a bat. He did not see the rest of
body. was still in the interior of the building, coming out from behind the door. He next
recalled seeing holding the bat with two hands up over his right shoulder.
hands were by his chest and shoulder, but not above his shoulder. This was the last time Officer
LaPalermo saw before shots were fired. Initially, Officer LaPalermo said he did not
remember exact location and did not know whether had made it out to the
porch when Officer LaPalermo saw him. However, Officer LaPalermo then stated that the last time
he saw was still in the vestibule and charging toward the officers.
After seeing with the bat, Officer LaPalermo looked down to create distance.
He was able to back down the stairway, while looking down, to the base of the stairs. The next
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time that Officer LaPalermo saw was clutching himself, with the front of his
body facing Officer LaPalermo, and saying, "Oh, fuck. Oh, fuck." The entire time in between
seeing with the bat and hearing call out, Officer LaPalermo was looking
down. He heard what he thought was a bat fall onto concrete, but he did not see the bat fall. He
believed the bat fell on the porch. Officer LaPalermo agreed that he never actually saw Officer
Rialmo firing his weapon because Officer LaPalermo was looking down during that timeframe.
Officer LaPalermo stated that turned to the right as he fell. At this point, Officer
LaPalermo was standing at the base of the stairs, to the left, and Officer Rialmo was standing to
the right of Officer LaPalermo at the base of the stairs. Officer LaPalermo did not remember if he
heard any gunshots after he heard say "Oh, fuck." From Officer LaPalermo's view,
fell on the porch after being shot and did not move. He did not observe step
from the location where he had been shot. When fell, it appeared that the lower half of
his body was on the landing of the porch and the other half of his body was in the vestibule.
Following the shooting, Officer Rialmo said, "what the fuck dad," and yelled out
"you did what you had to do" three or four times.
Officer LaPalermo stated that at no time did he observe swing a bat, nor did he
observe descend the stairway at He did not know the distance between
Officer Rialmo and when Officer Rialmo first fired at nor did he know how
close ever got to Officer Rialmo. Officer LaPalermo never heard Officer Rialmo say
"drop the bat." Officer LaPalermo said that it was "very possible" that Officer Rialmo did say
"drop the bat" but that Officer LaPalermo did not remember it. He speculated that his auditory
functions could have shut down because he did not remember hearing the initial gunshots, either.
The last time that Officer LaPalermo saw she was turning back into her
apartment. He did not see if entered her apartment.
Officer LaPalermo believed that Detective Jensen first interviewed him at Area North.
Officer LaPalermo said that after the first interview, he believed Detective Jensen visited his home
"just to follow up." Officer LaPalermo had lunch with Officer Rialmo after the incident because
they "were buddies" who played on the same hockey team and because they would contact each
other after the incident and have lunches to catch up and check in on each other's wellbeing.
Officer LaPalermo stated that he incorrectly checked the box on his TRR indicating that verbal
commands were given, since Officer LaPalermo did not give any verbal directions. He
also did not remember hearing Officer Rialmo say anything.
In an April 2017 deposition, stated that one of his cousins dropped him
off at his grandmother's home at at approximately 10 or 11 p.m. on
December 25, 2015. His friend arrived at about the same time, and got into
car. could not remember last name. At the time of the deposition,
had been deceased for six months.
After got into car, picked up "a little pint" of something and
and rode around the area, ultimately ending up on Lakeshore Drive and riding
through downtown. and also stopped at a club called Brown Sugar and a couple
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of bars, although did not actually enter the bars. In addition, they stopped "at gas stations
and stuff like that to get cigarettes."
and returned to and at approximately 4 a.m.

stopped the car on the southeast corner, with most of the car on and
debated whether they wanted to go to breakfast. said he was sober at the time. He had only
had a few sips of drinks at approximately 3 p.m. on December 25. He had also smoked one
marijuana joint in car at approximately 10 p.m. on December 25.
At some point while sitting on the corner, observed a police wagon driving the
wrong way on Afterward, stopped paying attention and looked back to his phone.
Within a minute, he heard a gunshot. He ducked at first, but after realizing the shot was "not
coming for [him]," looked to see from where the shot originated. He heard more shots and
turned to his left and saw an officer firing multiple shots. The officer was standing still and upright,
holding his gun with his right hand extended in front of him and his left hand underneath his right
hand. Nothing was obstructing view of the officer. The officer was standing on the
sidewalk, a little to the left of the walkway if one were facing the home at did
not see anybody else within 20 feet of the officer when he was shooting. He agreed that the officer
was standing in the area circled on the following photograph ( Exhibit No. 2):
After the officer stopped shooting, observed him make a motion as if he was talking
on the radio. exited the car and crossed the street to stand on the southwest corner of
When realized a police officer had shot somebody, he knew the situation was
going to turn into a crime scene, for which he did not have time. He left and went to his
grandmother's house, walking south on then through an alley that ran parallel to
and and then through a park.
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About an hour later, girlfriend, , picked him up and the two rode
by the scene on the way to Portis' house. observed "a bunch of news trucks" on
took a video, which he put on his Facebook account. The video showed an ABC news van,
and could be heard on the video saying "this shit here is all bogus." said he was
expressing anger that the CPD "killed the boy for absolutely no reason." did not personally
know the family, though he knew the family lived there. He also did not personally know
anybody in the family.15
Regina Hollos ay
Supervising Investigator
15 In his deposition, provided a brief description of his employment history. He stated that he had been
working in car sales. When asked what other kinds of jobs he had, said what was transcribed as "I worked at
Home Depot in the receiving for six years before that." IPRA sent a subpoena to Home Depot, which revealed that
was originally hired by Home Depot in April 2009 and was terminated in September 2011. (Att. 502).
31
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IV. ANALYSIS
ALLEGATIONS I and 5
We first address Allegations 1 and 5, that Officer Rialmo shot and

without justification.
Legal Standard
The applicable Chicago Police Department order is General Order 03-02-03, II, which
states as follows:
"A sworn member is justified in using force likely to cause death or great bodily
harm only when he or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary:
1. to prevent death or great bodily harm to the sworn member or to another
person, or
2. to prevent an arrest from being defeated by resistance or escape and the sworn
member reasonably believes that the person to be arrested:
a. has committed or has attempted to commit a forcible felony which
involves the infliction, threatened infliction, or threatened use of
physical force likely to cause death or great bodily harm or;
b. is attempting to escape by use of deadly weapon or;
c. otherwise indicates that he or she will endanger human life or inflict
great bodily harm unless arrested without delay."
In addition, the use of deadly force is codified under section 7-5 of the Criminal Code of
2012 (720 ILCS 5/7-5 (West 2014)). The pertinent part of that statute states that:
"[a] peace officer ... need not retreat or desist from efforts to make a lawful arrest
because of resistance or threatened resistance to the arrest. He is justified in the use
of any force which he reasonably believes to be necessary to effect the arrest and
of any force which he reasonably believes to be necessary to defend himself or
another from bodily harm while making the arrest. However, he is justified in using
force likely to cause death or great bodily harm only when he reasonably believes
that such force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or such
other person..." 720 ILCS 5/7-5 (West 2014).
Finally, an officer's use of deadly force is a seizure within the meaning of the Fourth
Amendment and, therefore, must be reasonable. Muhammed v. City of Chicago, 316 F.3d 680, 683
(7th Cir. 2002). "The 'reasonableness' inquiry in an excessive force case is an objective one: the
question is whether the officers' actions are 'objectively reasonable' in light of the facts and
circumstances confronting them, without regard to their underlying intent or motivation." Graham
v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386, 397 (1989); see also Estate of Phillips v. City of Milwaukee, 123 F.3d
586, 592 (7th Cir. 2003). The reasonableness calculation "must embody allowance for the fact that
police officers are often forced to make split-second judgments—in circumstances that are tense,
uncertain, and rapidly evolving—about the amount of force that is necessary in a particular
situation." Graham, at 396-97. Consequently, " 'when an officer believes that a suspect's actions
[place] him, his partner, or those in the immediate vicinity in imminent danger of death or serious
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bodily injury, the officer can reasonably exercise the use of deadly force.' " Muhammed, 316 F.3d
at 683 (quoting Sherrod v. Berry, 856 F.2d 802, 805 (7th Cir.1988) (en banc) and omitting
emphasis).
Analysis
At the outset, there is no evidence to support that Officer Rialmo's shots would have been
justified under the second prong of General Order 03-02-03, II, which authorizes the use of deadly
force in certain instances to prevent an arrest from being defeated by resistance or escape. Officers
Rialmo and LaPalermo were responding to a domestic disturbance, not attempting to arrest
Accordingly, Officer Rialmo's use of deadly force would not fall within the second
prong of General Order 03-02-03, II.
Accordingly, our only consideration is whether Officer Rialmo's shots were justified under
the first prong of General Order 03-02-03, II. As previously detailed, the relevant question is
whether a reasonable officer in Officer Rialmo's position would have believed the use of deadly
force was necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm. We apply the same analysis to all of
Officer Rialmo's shots, including the one that inadvertently struck because Officer
Rialmo's use of deadly force was premised solely on actions, not on any independent
actions of Thus, our inquiry is whether Officer Rialmo's shots were justified based
on actions. If the firing of shots at were not justified, then the firing of shots
at could not be.16
To determine whether a reasonable officer in Officer Rialmo's position would have

believed the use of deadly force was necessary, we must first determine the "position" Officer
Rialmo was in when he used deadly force. This requires that we make factual determinations as
to what was doing, and the distance between and Officer Rialmo, in the
moments before Officer Rialmo fired each of his shots. We make our factual and legal
determinations using a preponderance of the evidence standard. A proposition is proved by a
preponderance of the evidence when it is found to be more probably true than not. Avery v. State
Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., 216 Ill. 2d 100, 191 (2005).
I. Factual Determinations
Based upon our investigation, including the physical evidence and witness statements, we
have determined the following facts: (1) did not swing the bat, (2) never
progressed further than the immediate area outside the threshold, and (3) Officer Rialmo fired all
of his shots when he was standing in the area between the bottom of the steps and the curb.
A. Did Not Swing The Bat He Was Holding
First, the evidence establishes that did not swing the bat that he was holding.
16 Under the doctrine of transferred intent, if Officer Rialmo acted in self-defense in shooting at then he
also acted in self-defense in killing such that he would not be criminally liable. See People v. O'Neal,
2016 IL App (1st) 132284, ¶ 60.
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There are no other witness accounts or physical evidence that corroborate Officer Rialmo's
statements that swung the bat. Officer Rialmo's statements in his deposition and during
his interviews with Detective Jensen and IPRA constitute the sole evidence that swung
the bat. However, Officer Rialmo's statements and testimony in this regard are inconsistent and,
ultimately, unreliable.
First, Officer Rialmo failed to mention swinging of the bat to Detective Jensen
when he made his first statement to Detective Jensen. Officer Rialmo claimed in his IPRA
statement that he did discuss the bat swing when he first spoke to Detective Jensen.17 However,
Detective Jensen did not note in either his original report or his general progress report that Officer
Rialmo said swung the bat in his first interview.I8 Most notably, when IPRA asked
Detective Jensen about this particular issue, he specifically confirmed that Officer Rialmo did not
mention the bat swing in his first interview.19 Detective Jensen also remembered that, during his
second interview with Officer Rialmo two days later, Officer Rialmo told Detective Jensen "there
were some changes" to make to his original statement, one of which was to add the detail of
swinging the bat.2° Considering that Detective Jensen did not detail in either his report
or general progress notes that Officer Rialmo initially mentioned a bat swing and independently
remembered that Officer Rialmo did not mention the bat swing in the first interview and that
Officer Rialmo stated he had changes to make to his original statement, we find that Officer Rialmo
did not initially tell Detective Jensen that swung the bat.
Officer Rialmo first mentioned the bat swing to Detective Jensen in his second statement
to Detective Jensen, two days later.2I He also included that swung a bat in his TRR and
OBR, which he signed at Area North after the incident, and he seems to have communicated this
information to Detective Staples on scene because according to an IPRA report, Detective Staples
told IPRA investigators on scene that threatened the officers by swinging at them with
a bat.22 Nonetheless, we find it telling that in his first opportunity to explain the shooting to
Detective Jensen, Officer Rialmo did not mention such a significant detail.
Notably, Officer LaPalermo has consistently stated, both in his IPRA statement and
deposition, that he did not see swing a bat.23 Officer LaPalermo claimed that he was
looking down during the timeframe that Officer Rialmo claimed bat swing took
place.24 However, if had actually swung the bat twice, as Officer Rialmo claimed, it
seems likely that even if Officer LaPalermo were looking down, he still would have seen the bat
swinging out of his peripheral vision, particularly because Officer LaPalermo was still facing in
17 Attachment 487, pgs. 72-73.

18 Attachment 77; Attachment 478.
21 The details surrounding Officer Rialmo's and Officer LaPalermo's second statements are, in themselves,
conflicting. Officer Rialmo and Detective Jensen said that Officers Rialmo and LaPalermo went to the station for the
second interviews. Officer LaPalermo, on the other hand, said twice in his deposition that Detective Jensen came to
his house.
22
IPRA's initiation report is included as Attachment 4.
23 Attachment 72, pg. 55; Attachment 493, pg. 10.
24 Attachment 72, pgs. 14-15, 55.
34
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direction when he was looking down. Officer LaPalermo said in his IPRA statement
that lights were on in the front hallway and porch such that the officers "could see everything."25
Either way, Officer LaPalermo's statement offers no corroboration for Officer Rialmo's statement
that swung the bat toward him.
Not only did Officer Rialmo fail to initially mention the bat swing to Detective Jensen, but
in the statements wherein he did discuss the bat swing, he provided inconsistent accounts as to
where was standing when he swung the bat. Officer Rialmo claimed in both his IPRA
statement and deposition that made two swings: one downward, and one back upward.26
In his IPRA statement, Officer Rialmo said that first swing was "in the threshold" and
that second swing was "prob'ly" while was on the top steps while Officer
Rialmo was at the bottom of the stairs.27 By contrast, in his deposition, Officer Rialmo said
swung the bat for the first time when was on the top step of the porch while
Officer Rialmo was on the second step.28 He also said he fired from the second step after
cocked the bat back up, which would mean swung the bat upward while Officer Rialmo
was still on the second step.29 Later in his deposition, when asked where was standing
during the first swing, Officer Rialmo indicated was on the middle of the porch by
marking that position on Exhibit 8, as shown below.3°
SIDEWALK WALKWAY
Thus, Officer Rialmo has provided at least three different accounts of where was
standing when he first swung the bat: in the threshold, in the middle of the porch, and on the top
step. Further, he has provided differing accounts as to where he was standing when
swung the bat for the second time in an upward direction, telling IPRA that he was at the bottom
of the steps but then testifying in his deposition that he was only on the second step.31 The
inconsistency between Officer Rialmo's IPRA statement and deposition testimony is significant.
25 Attachment 72, pg. 17.

27 Attachment 487, pgs. 22, 24.
313 Attachment, pgs. 171-172, 174 (deposition testimony); Attachment 498 (exhibits).
31 The staircase consisted of four steps, with the fourth step being level with the top of the porch.
35
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Even if Officer Rialmo could not remember where was standing when he swung the bat
the first time, Officer Rialmo would be able to remember whether swung the bat the
second time while he was one step from Officer Rialmo (as Officer Rialmo claimed in his
deposition) as opposed to when he was several stairs away from Officer Rialmo (as Officer Rialmo
claimed in his IPRA statement).
In addition to the inconsistencies inherent in Officer Rialmo's statements, some of his

accounts of swinging the bat are also implausible. First, if had swung the bat
in the threshold, would have hit the doorframe or given the small size of
the vestibule area.32
Moreover, if had swung the bat in the threshold area, we question how Officer
LaPalermo would not have seen swing the bat because Officer LaPalermo said he saw
at the threshold.33 Officer LaPalermo' s undivided attention would have been on
actions. We also have to question Officer Rialmo's deposition testimony that
swung the bat down and back up when was on the top step while Officer
Rialmo was on the second step. It seems impossible that could swing the bat twice at
such a close distance to Officer Rialmo, while Officer Rialmo was balancing on the stairs, without
hitting Officer Rialmo or without Officer Rialmo tripping down the stairs. If had
32 The vestibule area measured approximately 4 feet deep and between approximately 5 and 7 feet wide (Att. 480;
Att. 77, pg. 15). The bat measured 28 inches (Att. 17). In his IPRA statement, Officer Rialmo said that when
opened the door to the vestibule, was two feet from (Att. 487, pg. 44).
33 The above photograph depicts the vestibule area. As to the area of blood near evidence marker B, Commander
DiGiovanni said that this smudge could have occurred when the paramedics were carrying by his hands
and "back side" hit the ground. Commander DiGiovanni said feet were inside the threshold
of the outer doorway, near evidence marker B. (Att. 134, pgs. 4-5, 7-8).
36
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actually taken this action, it would have been unavoidable to escape Officer LaPalermo's view.
Ultimately, all of the inconsistencies in Officer Rialmo's statements about the details of
actions with the bat make Officer Rialmo's claim that swung a bat
unreliable. Thus, there is no credible evidence establishing that ever swung the bat.
B. The Evidence Shows Never Moved Past the Area Directly Outside The
Threshold of the Vestibule
The evidence indicates that the farthest point may have reached before Officer
Rialmo began firing was the portion of the porch directly outside of the vestibule threshold. Ample
evidence establishes that after being shot, fell in the vestibule, with his feet near the
threshold. CFD Ambulance Commander Joseph DiGiovanni recalled feet being at the
threshold of the exterior door, near marker B, and his chest being in the entrance to
apartment, near evidence marker C.34 CFD paramedic Michael Kuryla likewise said
legs were in the foyer, outside of the entrance to apartment.35 He identified
chest area as being near marker C and his feet as closer to marker E than B.36 Officer
Daniel Mieszcak, Star. # 15757, who arrived at the scene less than five minutes after hearing over
the air that shots were fired, said legs were in the front foyer area, halfway into
apartment.37 Officer Rialmo likewise told IPRA that fell with his torso in the
vestibule and his feet in the threshold of the door.38 In his deposition, Officer Rialmo said that no
part of body was on the porch after was shot.39 We note Officer LaPalermo
did tell IPRA that when fell, the portion of his body below his waist was on the porch.4°
However, all of the other witnesses' statements establish that fell in the vestibule, with
his feet at or inside the threshold of the vestibule.

35 Attachment 130, pgs. 21-22, 49.
37 Attachment 248, pgs. 2, 7-8, 14-15.
4° Attachment 77, pgs. 38-39.
37
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
That fell in the vestibule, with his feet at or inside the threshold of the vestibule,
supports a finding that the furthest possible point he reached during the incident was the area of
the porch directly in front of the vestibule. If had reached further on the porch, he would
have had to have taken several steps backward to ultimately end up in the vestibule. However,
Officer Rialmo did not detail taking several steps back. Officer Rialmo told IPRA that
as Officer Rialmo was shooting, turned around, stepped backward, and fell in the
vestibule.41 In his deposition, he also agreed that was "moving and turning" while he
was shooting; however, he did not describe as retreating all the way backward from the
porch into the vestibule. If had been retreating, Officer Rialmo should have desisted in
firing. Officer LaPalermo affirmatively said to IPRA that never retreated after shots
were fired.42 Officer LaPalermo then said may have taken a step backward, but he
agreed essentially collapsed where he was shot.43 In his deposition, Officer LaPalermo
said after was shot, he saw fall from the location where he had been shot and
did not see him step from the location where he had been shot.44
There is no credible evidence that ever reached the area of the porch beyond the
part of the porch directly in front of the vestibule. The sole person to claim reached the
front step and to consistently place on the porch is Officer Rialmo. However, as we
have detailed at length, all of the other inconsistencies in Officer Rialmo's statements make it
41 Attachment 487, pg. 46,

' Attachment 72, pg. 52.
38
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
impossible to accept his version of events without additional evidence supporting his accounts. In
this regard, we note that Officer Rialmo has provided inconsistent accounts of what was
doing when he fired his last shot. In his statement to Detective Jensen, Officer Rialmo said
grabbed his chest, stated "oh fuck, fuck, fuck," turned to the right, and collapsed into
the vestibule face down.45 Officer Rialmo said he stopped shooting after collapsed.46
Officer Rialmo offered a similar account in his IPRA statement, adding that turned
around and took a step back before dropping into the vestibule.47 In his IPRA statement, Officer
Rialmo again said he stopped firing because was down.48 He also said he realized
had been struck by one of his shots when "dropped."49 In the first part of his
deposition, however, Officer Rialmo said that when he fired his last shot, was still
upright, and that he realized was struck when screamed and grabbed for his
chest.5° Then, in another part of his deposition, Officer Rialmo again said he stopped firing when
"was on the ground."51 Thus, Officer Rialmo has provided different accounts as to when
he realized was struck and whether he fired his last shot while was upright
or down on the ground of the vestibule. This additional inconsistency further calls into question
the reliability of Officer Rialmo's statements.52
Officer Rialmo's claim that reached any part of the porch, and particularly the
top of the stairs, is not supported by Officer LaPalermo's statements. Officer LaPalermo told IPRA
that he saw Officer Rialmo shooting when was "on the porch."53 In his deposition,
however, Officer LaPalermo said he never actually saw Officer Rialmo firing and that he never
saw leave the vestibule.54 Instead, he said that when he last saw before shots
were fired, was still in the vestibule, charging toward the officers.55 Officer LaPalermo
said he then looked down, and the next time he looked up, was clutching himself saying,
"Oh, fuck. Oh, fuck."56 Accordingly, Officer LaPalermo has not consistently placed on
the porch.
In conclusion, considering all of the above-referenced statements and the physical evidence
inside the vestibule, we find the evidence indicates did not advance past the area of the
porch directly in front of the vestibule.

5° Attachment 496, pgs. 167-169.
52 Officer Rialmo also claimed that he told to "Drop that bat" approximately ten times. However, Officer
LaPalermo never heard Officer Rialmo say anything to also did not hear Officer Rialmo
say anything. likewise said he did not hear anyone say anything before the shooting started other
than hearing say, "hey, hey, hey."
39
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
C. Officer Rialmo Fired All of His Shots While He Was No Longer Standing on The Stairs
The evidence also shows that it is more likely true than not that Officer Rialmo fired all
seven of his shots while in the area between the bottom of the stairs and the curb.
Officer Rialmo provided markedly different accounts as to where he was standing when he
fired at In his initial statement to Detective Jensen, Officer Rialmo said that he stopped
firing his weapon when he reached the bottom of the stairs and was standing on the walkway.57
Similarly, in his deposition, Officer Rialmo said he fired his first shot from the second step and
that he was standing on the walkway, somewhere between the end of the steps and the sidewalk,
when he finished firing his seventh shot.58 Yet in his IPRA statement, Officer Rialmo said he did
not start firing his weapon until he was off the stairs and onto the walkway.59 In fact, he specifically
said, "I shot from the holster as I was on that walkway from the sidewalk. So in between, so not,
not on the steps anymore on that, on that walkway."6° Certainly, Officer Rialmo's inability to recall
the exact step he was standing on for each shot is understandable considering how rapidly he fired
his shots. However, the fact that Officer Rialmo provided wholly different accounts as to whether
he fired all eight of his shots while standing on the stairs or all seven of his shots after he backed
down the stairs significantly undermines his credibility and makes it impossible to determine, from
his testimony alone, which version of events is accurate.
Officer LaPalermo claimed in his IPRA statement that Officer Rialmo fired all shots while
on the stairs and that when Officer Rialmo reached "the grass, there was no more shots fired."61
However, inconsistencies between Officer LaPalermo's IPRA statement and deposition testimony
also make Officer LaPalermo's account of Officer Rialmo's firing unreliable. In his IPRA
statement, Officer LaPalermo stated he saw Officer Rialmo firing his weapon while was
on the porch.62 Yet, Officer LaPalermo then stated in his deposition that he was looking down and
never saw any shots being fired and that he never saw leave the vestibule.63 This
inconsistency calls into question the accuracy of Officer LaPalermo's account of where Officer
Rialmo was when he fired his weapon.
On the other hand, the statements of and corroborate

Officer Rialmo's version of events in his IPRA statement that he fired all of his shots from the
bottom of the stairs while moving backwards. said that he initially ducked after hearing a
57 Attachment 77, pg. 17; Attachment 412, pgs. 24-25. In his deposition, Officer Rialmo explained that by
"walkway," he meant the concrete area leading from the sidewalk to the porch. Throughout our report, the word
"walkway" signifies the concrete path from the sidewalk to the porch, which runs perpendicular to the street, and the
word "sidewalk" signifies the concrete sidewalk that runs parallel to the street.
bo
Attachment 487, pg. 25.
61 Attachment 72, pg. 27. Officer LaPalermo did not define which part of the grass to which he was referring, but
we presume he meant the grassy area at the front of the sidewalk, near the bottom of the stairs, because in his
deposition, Officer LaPalermo said that when grabbed his chest and fell, Officers LaPalermo and Rialmo
were both standing at the bottom of the stairs such that if either officer had taken a step forward, he would have
stepped on the stairs (Attachment 493, pg. 36).
62
63 Attachment 493, pgs. 72, 222-23.
40
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
gunshot but then looked back up and saw an officer firing multiple shots.64 said this officer
was standing on the sidewalk, a little to the left of the walkway.65 While did not explicitly
identify the officer as Officer Rialmo, we can infer that it was Officer Rialmo as opposed to Officer
LaPalermo because Officer LaPalermo did not fire his weapon. statement thus supports
the fact that Officer Rialmo fired at least some of his shots while off the steps, at or around the
sidewalk area. Further, although did not observe all of Officer Rialmo's shots, the fact that
he observed Officer Rialmo at or near the sidewalk supports an inference that Officer Rialmo fired
his initial shots while at the bottom of the steps. It would have been difficult, if not impossible, for
Officer Rialmo to back up rapidly enough to fire his initial shots on the stairs but then fire the final
shots all the way by the sidewalk. The evidence shows the distance from the bottom of the stairs
to the edge of the sidewalk closest to the curb measured at least 10 feet, while the distance from
the bottom of the stairs to the curb measured in excess of 20 feet.66 Further, Officer Rialmo said
in his deposition that he fired all of his shots in less than a second. Therefore, by Officer Rialmo's
own account, he both fired his shots and changed his position, if at all, within that instant.
The credibility of deposition statement is bolstered by the statement of

father, told IPRA that immediately after hearing
run down the stairs, he proceeded down the stairs and heard shots being fired.67 He paused when
he reached the midway point of the staircase and could see an officer's legs and part of his mid-
section.68 The officer was in a "shooting stance" and standing near the walkway in the grass.
further stated that the officer was approximately 30 feet away from at this point.
Specifically, said the officer stated, "I saw the baseball bat, I thought he was gonna lunge
at me."69 In response, either thought or said "lung[e] at you[?] You 30 feet away from
`em. The bullet, the bullet casings is near the curb once you pass the grass spot. You're lookin' at
20 to 30 feet before you even get to where my son is at in the doorway."7° said he saw the
shell casings as he exited the building and could see the distance of the casings "which is why [he]
could tell [IPRA] exactly where the officer was standing approximately."71 Per Detective Jensen's
report, told Detective Jensen that he observed an officer crouched down by the curb,
approximately 30 feet from the door.72 We interpret description to mean that in the
moments after the shooting, saw an officer standing in the grass near the curb,
approximately 30 feet away, and that he was able to confirm his approximation of the officer's
distance when he later observed the shell casings.
While did not specifically identify the officer in the shooting stance as Officer
Rialmo, we can infer that it was Officer Rialmo because Officers LaPalermo and Rialmo both told
64 Attachment 494, pg. 27. was sitting in his friend's car on the southeast corner of and when
he heard shots being fired and subsequently saw an officer firing multiple shots.
66
We have based these measurements off of Attachment 73, which outlines the distances between the various shell
casings and the north curb of
68 Attachment 44, pgs.43, 46, 51.
41
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
IPRA that, after the shooting, Officer LaPalermo took cover behind a car in the street.73 In addition,
Officer Rialmo told IPRA that he observed coming partially down the stairs and
stopping.74
The fact that saw Officer Rialmo approximately 30 feet away after the shooting
suggests that Officer Rialmo must have fired his shots after descending the stairs because it is
impossible that Officer Rialmo could have started firing on the steps and then walked all the way
back to the area near the curb by the time saw Officer Rialmo immediately after the
shooting.75 Thus, statement, when coupled with statement, support a
finding that Officer Rialmo fired all of his shots while off of the stairs.
The position of the shell casings also supports, rather than refutes, a finding that Officer
Rialmo fired his shots while off the stairs and that he specifically fired in the area between the
bottom of the stairs and the sidewalk. As shown in the photograph below (which is part of
Attachment 60), three casings were recovered on the sidewalk: one to the left of the stairs, one
parallel with the right side of the stairs, and one to the right of the stairs.76 An additional casing
was recovered to the right of the walkway, in the grassy area between the stairs and sidewalk, and
two casings were recovered to the right of the walkway, in the grassy area between the sidewalk
and the curb.77

75 IPRA statement does differ slightly from the statement he gave to Detective Jensen in that he told
Detective Jensen the officer he saw was crouched by the curb, whereas he told IPRA the officer was in a firing
stance. We find these descriptions are similar and clearly distinguish that it is Officer Rialmo that is
describing.
76 We use the directions "left" and "right" to signify the direction that the casings were in relation to the stairs if one
were looking toward the house, as Officer Rialmo was when he fired.
77 The seventh shell casing was recovered across the street. There is no evidence suggesting Officer Rialmo fired
any shots from across the street; thus, we give no weight to the location of the seventh shell casing, as it is likely this
casing was simply inadvertently transported in somebody's clothing or shoe across the street.
42
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
We acknowledge and have considered the possibility that casings may have bounced or
been inadvertently moved on scene and thus, we do not place great weight on them in this analysis.
However, we find it significant that no casings were found on the stairs or near the bottom of the
stairs. The distance of the casings from the stairs and the fact that six of the casings were recovered
in the same area support a finding that Officer Rialmo fired several of his shots from the same
general area of the walkway between the bottom of the steps and the curb.
The Leica scan performed by the Illinois State Police also suggests that Officer Rialmo
fired at least one of his shots at the bottom of the stairs. ISP was able to measure the trajectory of
the bullet of one of the seven shots.78 Based on these measurements, it is more probable than not
that Officer Rialmo fired the bullet that created this trajectory line while he was off of the stairs,
because if he had fired from on the stairs, he would have had to have been unnaturally low to the
ground.79
Assistant Medical Examiner Dr. Kristin Escobar's examination and findings were also
considered in the determination that Officer Rialmo fired all of his shots while off of the stairs. Dr.
Escobar explained that the trajectory of five of six bullet wounds was slightly
upward.8° Such an upward trajectory would be consistent with Officer Rialmo, who is about seven
78
ISP could only perform this testing for one of the seven shots because only one shot made multiple holes in the
structure of the home. The trajectory line that ISP was able to measure had a very slight upward angle. The height
from the trajectory line to the top of the stairs measured approximately 2.502 feet, with a five-degree variance, and
the height from the trajectory line to the walkway at the bottom of the stairs measured approximately 5.008 feet,
with a five degree variance.
79 While the Leica scan does not definitively rule out Officer Rialmo having fired shots from the stairs, it constitutes
another piece of evidence that, when taken in conjunction with all of the other evidence, tends to show Officer
Rialmo fired at least one of his shots while he was off of the stairs.
80 Attachment 515, pgs. 24-25. The sixth wound was a graze wound and Dr. Escobar was not able to determine its
directionality (Attachment 515, pg. 25).
43
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
inches taller than firing from the ground while was on the porch.81
We note that Officer Rialmo also demonstrated during his deposition, using a toy gun, the
lowest point that he would have held his weapon when he fired and the highest point he would
have held his weapon when he fired. Measurements were then taken from the ground to various
points such as the top of the gun and the bottom of Officer Rialmo's hand. However, Officer
Rialmo was not using his actual weapon during these demonstrations, and it seems unlikely that
he was holding the toy weapon in the exact spot that he held his actual weapon while firing. For
example, when asked to demonstrate how he was holding the weapon when he fired it from the
lowest point he fired, Officer Rialmo said it was "roughly in this general area." Further, Officer
Rialmo did not demonstrate the angle he was holding his weapon when he was shooting. In light
of all of the foregoing, we have not given great weight to these demonstrations in determining
whether Officer Rialmo fired his shots while on or off of the steps.
In sum, based on the witnesses' statements and physical evidence, a preponderance of the
evidence establishes that Officer Rialmo fired all of his shots in the area between the bottom of
the steps and the curb.
II. Whether Officer Rialmo's Shots Were Within Policy
Having made our factual findings, we now turn to whether Officer Rialmo's shots were
within policy. To answer this question, we must determine whether a reasonable officer in Officer
Rialmo's position would have believed he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm
at the time he fired his weapon. See General Order 03-02-03, II; 720 ILCS 5/7-5 (West 2014);
Muhammed, 316 F.3d at 683.
In doing so, we find a reasonable officer would not have believed he was in danger of death
or great bodily harm where (1) did not swing the bat, (2) the furthest distance
advanced toward any officer was the area right outside of the vestibule, and (3) Officer Rialmo
fired all of his shots when he was standing in the area between the bottom of the steps and the
curb. Further, Officer Rialmo's path of retreat was unobstructed and he could have continued to
safely create distance between himself and Accordingly, all of Officer Rialmo's shots
were not within policy. Further, even if we were to make alternate factual determinations and find
that did swing the bat or that Officer Rialmo did fire some of his shots while on the
stairs, we would still find that Officer Rialmo's last shot was outside of policy.
A. All of Officer Rialmo's Shots Were Not Within Policy
First, based on the factual findings that we have previously detailed, we find a reasonable
officer in Officer Rialmo's position would not have believed he was in imminent harm of death or
great bodily harm at the time Officer Rialmo began firing his weapon.
Unlike a gun, a bat is not a per se deadly weapon. See People v. Carter, 410 Ill. 462, 465
(1951). Instead, whether a bat is considered a deadly weapon depends on the manner in which it
is used. See id.; see also People v. Whitt, 140 Ill. App. 3d 42, 49 (1986). Here, was
81 Officer Rialmo is 6'1" (Att. 216), while was approximately 5'6" (AU. 221).
44
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
holding the bat above his shoulder and was not swinging it. Accordingly, was not using
the bat in such a manner as to make it a deadly weapon. Moreover, per Officer Rialmo's IPRA
statement and deposition testimony, he did not have any information from which a reasonable
officer would believe planned to swing the bat at Officer Rialmo. Officer Rialmo said
that he knew only that he was responding to a domestic disturbance and that somebody possibly
possessed a bat.82 Officer Rialmo had no description of the victim or possible offender.83 Officer
Rialmo also did not describe having any information that had previously swung the bat
at somebody, that he had been acting violently before the incident, or that he had a history of acting
violently.84 Further, the evidence establishes did not make any verbal threats to the
officers when they arrived. Officer Rialmo told IPRA that did not yell, scream, make
noises, or otherwise say anything to the officers.85 Officer Rialmo also said that he did not hear
any yelling, screaming, or discussions taking place in the home as was coming down
the interior stairs.86
Further, Officer Rialmo had successfully created several feet of distance between himself
and at the time he started to fire from the bottom of the stairs. This distance meant that
even if decided to swing the bat from the position he was holding it above his shoulder,
he was not in striking distance of Officer Rialmo. This distance also meant that if had
started to advance toward Officer Rialmo with the bat, Officer Rialmo would have had time to
either continue creating additional distance or to fire his weapon before struck him. This
is especially true because Officer Rialmo already had his gun unholstered. Thus, in light of the
distance between and Officer Rialmo in the moments before Officer Rialmo began
firing his weapon, a reasonable officer in Officer Rialmo's position would not have believed
posed an immediate threat. See Muhammed, 316 F.3d at 683 (an officer can reasonably
use deadly force when an officer believes the suspect's actions place him "in imminent danger of
death or serious bodily injury" (emphasis added)).
In sum, a reasonable officer in Officer Rialmo's position would not have believed he was
in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm at any time that Officer Rialmo fired his weapon.
82
Attachment 487, pgs. 14, 19; Attachment 496, pg. 141
83 In his deposition, Officer Rialmo agreed that he did not know who had called 911, he did not know how many
people were in the residence, and he did not know who was involved in the domestic disturbance, including whether
there were adults or minors involved (Attachment 496, pg. 141).
84 In determining whether Officer Rialmo's actions were reasonable, we consider only the information he knew at
the time he used fired at See, e.g., Abbot v. Sangamon County, Illinois, 705 F.3d at 724 ("[t]he
reasonableness of the force used depends on the totality of the facts and circumstances known to the officer at the
time the force is applied"). COPA learned through its extensive investigation that had a history of mental
health concerns leading up to this incident. However, Officer Rialmo did not know of mental health
history; accordingly, mental health concerns could not have factored into Officer Rialmo's belief as to
whether he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm. Officer Rialmo had never interacted with
before (Attachment 487, pg. 50), and no references were made to mental health history in the
CPD's dispatched communication to Officers Rialmo or LaPalermo.
86
45
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
B. Alternatively, even if Swung The Bat or Advanced Onto The Porch, and
Even If Officer Rialmo Fired While on The Stairs, Officer Rialmo's Last Shot Was Not
Within Policy
Alternatively, even if we were to modify our factual findings and determine that (1)
did initially swing the bat, (2) advanced onto the porch, and/or (3) Officer
Rialmo started firing while he was on the stairs, we would still find that Officer Rialmo's final
shot was not within policy.
Officer Rialmo clearly stated in his deposition that was in the vestibule when
Officer Rialmo fired his last shot, which is corroborated with the location of body in
the vestibule. The closest that Officer Rialmo could have been standing at the time he fired his last
shot, based on all his statements and testimony, was at the bottom of the steps.87 This is
corroborated by the physical evidence and all of the witness statements. As we have detailed, the
distance between and Officer Rialmo at this point was too great for Officer Rialmo to
have reasonably believed still presented an imminent threat. This is particularly true if
was retreating at the time that Officer Rialmo fired at him in the vestibule. Thus, even
if we were to modify our factual findings, we would continue to find that Officer Rialmo's final
shot was outside of policy.
In sum, we find by a preponderance of the evidence that Officer Rialmo's use of deadly
force was NOT WITHIN POLICY. Accordingly, Allegations 1 and 5 are SUSTAINED.88
ALLEGATIONS 3 and 4
We turn to Allegations 3 and 4. Allegation 3 is that Officer Rialmo fired multiple times
into a home occupied by persons who would be at risk of injury or death. Allegation 4 is that
Officer Rialmo fired in the direction of which resulted in her death.
Because we have found that Officer Rialmo was not justified in firing his weapon, we find
that Officer Rialmo was acting outside of policy when he fired multiple times into the home and
fired in the direction of All of the evidence referenced in the earlier analysis were
considered in reaching this conclusion as well. Accordingly, Allegations 3 and 4 are
SUSTAINED.
87 The closest account that Officer Rialmo gave was in his statement to Detective Jensen. According to Detective
Jensen's report, Officer Rialmo said he was stepping backwards down the stairs while discharging his weapon and
stopped at the bottom of the stairs on the walkway leading to the house.
88 We recognize that the Cook County State's Attorney's Office declined to file criminal charges against Officer
Rialmo. However, the CCSAO was evaluating whether to pursue charges on a case which would ultimately have to
meet the burden of beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a higher standard than the preponderance of the evidence
standard that applies to administrative decisions. Our decision is therefore not in conflict with, nor are we
constrained by, the CCSAO's decision.
46
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
ALLEGATIONS 2 and 6
Next, we address Allegation 2, that Officer Rialmo failed to provide

with medical attention, and Allegation 6, that Officer Rialmo failed to provide with
medical attention.
Legal Standard
General Order 03-02-06 sets forth the duties an officer must undertake when he discharges
a firearm. These duties include notifying the Office of Emergency Management and
Communications (OEMC) immediately and completing a TRR and any other reports. CPD officers
are not, however, required to provide medical care.
Analysis
Officer Rialmo acknowledged in his IPRA statement that he did not provide or
with medical attention, other than to call for an ambulance. He explained he did not
have gloves or equipment and he was not a trained medic or EMT, though he had taken tourniquet
training and a basic life savers course while he was a Marine. However, as we have detailed, CPD
officers are not required to provide medical care. Accordingly, Allegations 2 and 6 are
EXONERATED.
ALLEGATION 7
Finally, we consider Allegation 7, that Officer Rialmo failed to ensure his taser certification
was current from on or about February 6, 2014, through March 16, 2016.
Legal Standard
General Order U04-02 requires that CPD members qualify annually with all Taser devices.
Analysis
In his deposition, Officer Rialmo stated that his Taser qualification had expired on
December 26, 2015, and that he had not had a chance to complete the annual requirement to re-
qualify.89 Similarly, in his 1PRA statement, Officer Rialmo said that his Taser certification had
lapsed on the date of the incident.90 In a December 2017 statement to COPA, Officer Rialmo
acknowledged making the aforementioned statements, to the best of his knowledge, and further
acknowledged that a timeframe existed between February 2014 and approximately March 2016
that he allowed his taser certification to lapse. When asked whether he was informing COPA that
he allowed his Taser certification to lapse, Officer Rialmo simply stated that he did not allow it to
lapse intentionally. Officer Rialmo's training records also show that he completed taser
certification on February 1, 2013, and did not complete it again until March 17, 2016.91

9° Attachment 487, pg. 70.
91 Attachment 520.
47
Log #1078616/ U#15-027
Based on the foregoing, the evidence establishes that Officer Rialmo failed to ensure his
taser certification was current from on or about February 6, 2014, through March 16, 2016.
Accordingly Allegation 7 is SUSTAINED.
An rea Kersten
Deputy Chief Administrator
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LOG NO TYPE DATE OF REPORT

TO: CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR, CHIEF,

CPD-44.112-IPRA (Rev. 2/12) Page 1 1078616

NAME ADDRESS* CITY TELEPHONE SEX / RACE DOB / AGE

CPD-44.112-IPRA (Rev. 2/12) Page 2 1078616

NAME [—ADDRESS* CITY TELEPHONE SEX/RACE DOB/AGE

CPD-44.112-IPRA (Rev. 2/12) Page 3 1078616

It is alleged by in Civil Suit 2015L012964, that on December 26, 2015,

1. Shot without justification; and

2. Failed to provide with medical attention.

It is further alleged by in Civil Suit 2016L000012, that on December 26,

4. Fired in the direction of which resulted in her death;

5. Shot without justification; and

6. Failed to provide with medical attention.

It is further alleged by COPA that Officer Robert L. Rialmo, #15588:

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability's (COPA)1 conducted a two-year investigation

Crime Scene Processing Reports

Tactical Response Reports/Officer Battery Reports

Case Supplementary Reports

The Chicago Police Department Case Supplementary Report- Field Investigation

The Chicago Police Department Case Supplementary Report- Closed Non-Criminal,

CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT (CFD) REPORTS

The Chicago Fire Department Ambulance Report for (

The Chicago Fire Department Ambulance Report for documents

CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT (CFD) STATEMENTS

Commander DiGiovanni explained that when Mr. Q. was moved, Commander

Commander DiGiovanni stated that while in the ambulance providing treatment to

The Medical Examiner's Photographs of taken on December 27,

The Medical Examiner's Photographs of taken on December 27, 2015,

In a statement to IPRA on December 26, 2015, stated that his son,

a. was n but had recently stopped taking his

The dispatcher asked his name to which he responded . He again pleaded

In a statement to IPRA on December 26, 2015, stated that he,

In a statement to IPRA, taken on 21 January 2016, stated that she is the

stated that in September of 2015, had been h

also reported that she believed was molesting and

CPD OFFICER STATEMENTS6

Detective Jensen first spoke with and later interviewed

In a statement to IPRA on January 4, 2016, Officer Anthony LaPalermo, #16727,

8 Captured in attachment 77.

Officer Rialmo said to "what the fuck, dad," as a means of asking

Officer Rialmo continued to hold the other residents of at gunpoint

MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE STATEMENTS

In a statement made to IPRA on August 29, 2017, Supervising ME Investigator Lori

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE (ISP) FORENSIC LABORATORY REPORTS

Medical Records for from Stroger Hospital

Medical Records for from Loretto Hospital indicate that

MEDICAL EXAMINER REPORTS

The Report of Postmortem Examination for indicates that the

Defects on clothing correspond to the gunshot wounds described above. The

The Report of Postmortem Examination for indicates that the autopsy

The Complaint at Law in the Circuit Court of Cook County, filed by

The Complaint at Law in the Circuit Court of Cook County, filed by

sinmu A I .is; WALKWAY

and returned to and at approximately 4 a.m.

We first address Allegations 1 and 5, that Officer Rialmo shot and

To determine whether a reasonable officer in Officer Rialmo's position would have

A. Did Not Swing The Bat He Was Holding

17 Attachment 487, pgs. 72-73.

25 Attachment 72, pg. 17.