Chicago Teen Burger King Employee, 17, Fatally Shot While Working Drive-Thru

 

A 17-year-old Chicago teenager was shot and killed while working his shift at a Burger King drive-thru on the Southwest Side over the weekend.

The victim, Rodrigo Franco, was a senior at Curie High School and had been working at the Burger King on South Pulaski Road in the Archer Heights neighborhood on Sunday evening when the shooting occurred, according to Chicago police.

Investigators say a dark-colored Jeep SUV drove up to the restaurant’s drive-thru window and someone inside opened fire. Franco, who was inside the building working the drive-thru, was struck in the head. He was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The vehicle fled the scene, and no suspects have been publicly identified.

Family and Community in Mourning

Franco’s family described him as a kind, gentle, and hardworking young man who loved soccer, video games, and spending time with family.

“He never did any wrong to anyone,” his brother Anthony Franco wrote in a GoFundMe created to help the family with funeral expenses. “He was only 17 and had a whole life ahead of him.”

Neighbors said the family is well-respected and not involved in gangs or neighborhood disputes.

“I don’t know why they would have shot him,” resident Sylvia Romero told WGN. “They’re quiet, respectful boys. No trouble.”

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have not yet determined whether the shooting was random or targeted. Detectives with Chicago Police Area One are reviewing surveillance and seeking witnesses.

No arrests have been made as of this report.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Chicago Police or submit a confidential tip at CPDtip.com.