Chicago teen Rodrigo Franco passes after drive-by shooting at Archer Heights Burger King
CHICAGO, IL — A devastating tragedy struck Chicago’s Archer Heights neighborhood on Sunday evening, leaving the community in mourning after 17-year-old Rodrigo Franco, a hardworking teenager, was fatally wounded in a drive-by shooting while working at a local Burger King restaurant.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the incident occurred just after 7 p.m. at the Burger King located at 4060 South Pulaski Road on the city’s Southwest Side. What began as an ordinary evening shift for Rodrigo quickly turned into a horrifying ordeal when gunfire erupted from outside the building.
Police say a Jeep SUV pulled up in front of the restaurant, and someone inside opened fire toward the interior. Several bullets pierced the glass windows, striking the area where employees were working behind the counter. Tragically, Rodrigo Franco, who had been standing near the drive-thru station, was struck in the head during the shooting.
Witnesses immediately called 911, and officers responded to the scene within minutes. Upon arrival, they found Rodrigo suffering from a severe gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel provided lifesaving treatment before transporting him to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition. Despite extensive efforts by doctors and paramedics, Rodrigo Franco was later pronounced deceased.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect’s vehicle fled the area immediately after the shooting. The direction of travel remains unknown, and as of Monday morning, no arrests have been made.
Victim Details
Rodrigo Franco, 17, was a resident of Chicago and a student known for his dedication and kind spirit. Friends and co-workers described him as a polite, hard-working young man who had recently started working at Burger King to help support his family and save money for college.
“He was always smiling, always polite,” said one of his co-workers. “He took pride in his job, and we all looked up to him.”
Neighbors in Archer Heights echoed similar sentiments, describing Rodrigo as a respectful teenager who often helped others in the community. His passing has left a deep void among those who knew him.
Family members, heartbroken by the news, shared that Rodrigo had dreams of pursuing a career in business and had been working part-time while finishing high school. They said he enjoyed spending time with his younger siblings and often encouraged them to “do good things in life.”
The Investigation
Detectives from the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives are leading the investigation. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the Burger King and surrounding businesses in hopes of identifying the Jeep SUV and the suspect or suspects inside the vehicle.
Police have not released a motive for the shooting, but they are exploring multiple possibilities, including whether the gunfire was targeted or random. Witnesses have reported hearing multiple gunshots, followed by the sound of a vehicle speeding away.
Crime scene investigators spent hours collecting ballistic evidence and examining the trajectory of the bullets that entered the restaurant. Officers also interviewed several employees and customers who were present at the time of the shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect or vehicle involved to contact Chicago Police Area One detectives or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.
Community Reaction
The tragedy has sparked widespread grief and outrage in the Archer Heights community. Many residents gathered outside the Burger King on Monday morning, placing candles, flowers, and handwritten notes near the restaurant’s entrance to honor Rodrigo’s memory.
Local leaders and community activists have condemned the violence, calling for increased patrols and efforts to curb gun-related crimes affecting Chicago’s youth. “A young man’s life was stolen while he was working—doing everything right,” said one local pastor. “We cannot let this become normal.”
Social media has been flooded with tributes from friends, classmates, and coworkers remembering Rodrigo for his kind heart, dedication, and bright future.
Summary
On Sunday evening, 17-year-old Rodrigo Franco was working inside the Burger King at 4060 South Pulaski Road in Archer Heights when gunfire erupted from a passing Jeep SUV. He was struck in the head and later passed at Mount Sinai Hospital. The shooter fled the scene, and police continue to investigate.
The Archer Heights community now mourns the loss of a promising young man whose life was tragically cut short while simply doing his job.
