A City of Chicago 911 calltaker was shot and killed as she drove in Back of the Yards early Friday morning. Now, Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 cash reward for information that helps bring the killer to justice.
Natalia Rodriguez, 50, was driving her silver SUV south in the 4500 block of South Wood Street when someone began shooting, according to Chicago police. She suffered multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to her injuries at Stroger Hospital.
Rodriguez was well-respected by her co-workers at the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, where she handled incoming 911 police calls, according to one of her colleagues.
“This is an especially tragic and disturbing homicide involving a woman who dedicated herself to serving the people of Chicago as an emergency communications dispatcher,” said Paul Rutherford, executive director of Cook County Crime Stoppers. “Natalia Rodriguez’s job was to help others in their most critical moments, and now her family, friends, coworkers, and the entire Chicago community are left mourning her loss.”
“We are asking anyone who witnessed this shooting, was in the area around the time of the incident, or has information about the person or persons responsible to come forward,” Rutherford continued. “You do not have to give us your name, and you do not have to identify yourself. Your information could be the key to helping detectives solve this homicide and bring justice to Natalia and her family.”
Tipsters can remain completely anonymous. No name is required, and individuals submitting information will receive a code number that can be used to claim an approved reward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-535-7867 or online at www.CPDTIP.com.
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