CHICAGO, IL — A tragic shooting in the Archer Heights neighborhood has claimed the life of 17-year-old Rodrigo Franco, leaving family, friends, and the community heartbroken. The deadly incident occurred Sunday evening, November 2, 2025, inside a Burger King on the city’s Southwest Side.
According to Chicago police, the shooting took place around 7:05 p.m. at the Burger King located at 4060 South Pulaski Road. Investigators said Rodrigo was inside the restaurant when someone in a Jeep SUV drove up and began firing multiple shots toward the building. One of the bullets struck the teenager in the head, causing life-threatening injuries.
Emergency responders quickly arrived and transported Rodrigo to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where doctors worked desperately to save his life. Sadly, he was pronounced dead a short time later, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, which identified him on Monday morning. The restaurant was surrounded by crime scene tape for hours as police gathered shell casings and reviewed surveillance footage.
The gunman fled the scene immediately after the shooting, and as of Monday evening, no arrests have been made. Detectives from Area One are leading the investigation and are working to determine whether Rodrigo was the intended target or caught in random gunfire. Authorities have not yet released any description of the suspect or vehicle beyond the make and model.
This senseless act of violence has shaken the Archer Heights community, where residents say they are tired of the ongoing gun violence that continues to claim young lives. Friends described Rodrigo as a kind-hearted and ambitious teen who loved spending time with family and dreamed of building a better future. His sudden death, they said, has left a void that words cannot fill.
Police are urging anyone with information or surveillance video from the area to contact Area One detectives or submit tips anonymously through CPD’s tip line. As the investigation continues, community members are calling for peace and accountability — hoping justice will soon be served for Rodrigo and his grieving loved ones.
