Chicago Teen Fatally Struck by Gunfire While Working Evening Shift at Burger King
Chicago, Illinois — A quiet Sunday evening turned tragic in Chicago’s South Pulaski Road area when 17-year-old Rodrigo Franco lost his life after being struck by gunfire while working at a Burger King restaurant. The shooting occurred on the 4000 block of South Pulaski Road, just after 7 p.m., shocking both the local community and the family of the hardworking teen who had been trying to build a better future.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the tragedy unfolded when someone driving a Jeep pulled up outside the Burger King and opened fire into the restaurant. Several bullets tore through the building’s windows, striking Rodrigo, who was working his evening shift behind the counter. Customers and employees ducked for cover as the sound of gunfire echoed through the restaurant.
When officers and paramedics arrived moments later, they found Rodrigo critically injured with a gunshot wound to the head. He was immediately rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where doctors worked to save his life. Despite their efforts, the injuries were too severe, and Rodrigo was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
Police said the shooter fled the scene in the Jeep immediately following the attack. Detectives with the Chicago Police Department’s Area Four detectives are investigating, though no arrests have been made and no motive has yet been determined. Officials are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who has surveillance footage from the area to contact investigators or leave an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line.
The shooting occurred during what should have been a normal evening shift for the teenager, who was known among coworkers for his dependability and good humor. Friends described him as a polite and hardworking young man who often picked up extra hours to help support his family.
Rodrigo’s mother, heartbroken and tearful, shared that her son was the kind of person who made ordinary moments feel special. “He would sit with me every morning and drink coffee before the day started,” she said. “He had dreams. He wanted to help me, to help our family, to build something better.”
Community members have since placed candles and flowers outside the Burger King, creating a small memorial where the tragedy took place. Neighbors and classmates have gathered to honor Rodrigo’s memory, expressing disbelief that such violence could strike someone so young and innocent, simply doing his job.
Local leaders have also spoken out, calling the incident yet another painful reminder of how gun violence continues to devastate Chicago families. Many have renewed calls for stronger community support, intervention programs, and justice for victims like Rodrigo.
As investigators continue searching for the person responsible, Rodrigo’s family is left to face the unbearable reality of a future without him. What was supposed to be a routine work shift ended in heartbreak, leaving an empty chair at the family table and a city once again mourning the loss of youth to senseless violence.
For now, Chicago waits for answers — and justice — in the death of Rodrigo Franco, a teenager whose life and dreams were taken far too soon.