Aug 14, 2008 9:27 pm US/Central
Police Detective Dies A Day After Being Shot
Robert Soto, Female Companion Were Attacked On West Side
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Detective Robert Soto was killed early Wednesday.
CBS
Tonight, family and friends of Chicago Police Detective Robert Soto are mourning his death. He was killed along with a female companion outside her home in east Garfield Park yesterday morning.
CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports that those who knew the 23-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department say he was a devoted family man who always went the extra mile to help those in need.
"I was just in shock. It's unbelievable. I just could not, for the type of person that he was, picture that happening to him," said neighbor Carol Moshos.
Moshos talks about the shooting that claimed the life of her neighbor Robert Soto.
"Anyone who needed help around here, he was always willing to lend a hand or whatever he could do," Moshos said. "Always very cordial, say hi to everybody and just a wonderful, wonderful person."
Detective Robert Soto was gunned down while off duty early Wednesday morning. His fellow officers are now offering a reward in the case.
As CBS 2's Joanie Lum reports, police Bomb and Arson Unit Detective Robert Soto, 49, was pronounced dead at 3:05 a.m. Thursday morning at Mount Sinai Hospital after suffering multiple gunshot wounds.
Soto and a female companion, Kathryn Romberg, 45, were shot around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday at 3400 W. Franklin Blvd. in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. Police believe the motive was armed robbery. Published reports say both had been shot in the head.
Romberg was found in the passenger side of Soto's sport-utility vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say before Soto lost consciousness, he was able to give them a description of a vehicle and the three offenders who tried to rob them. Neighbors said they heard loud arguing in the hours before the shooting.
The Fraternal Order of Police announced Thursday afternoon that it was offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of anyone involved in the murder of Detective Robert Soto.
CBS 2's Derrick Blakley reports that at Soto's Southwest Side home, a steady stream of police officers brought flowers, food, and their condolences. And at the Fillmore street office where Soto's Bomb and Arson Squad is housed, other cops lamented his loss.
"We all take it to heart because it could happen to any one of us," said Det. Bryan Mcdonald, Chicago Police Dept.
"It's like losing a brother or sister," said Ofc. Chris Lenti, Chicago Police Dept. "It's tough."
"Everybody's saddened by any death but when it's a police officer and nobody knows the circumstances, it's just a tragedy," said Ofc. Deborah Jackson, Chicago Police Dept.
In a statement released today, Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis said: "Detective Soto served the Chicago Police Department for 23 years with the distinction of 55 honorable mentions and the dedication and courage of a Chicago Police Officer. We offer our condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers who knew and worked with him and pray that he has found comfort in God's care."
Soto's neighbors in the Southwest Side's Garfield Ridge neighborhood said having a police detective on the block gave them a feeling of security, which has now turned to grief.
"It's very sad. I found out today in the morning when I woke up," said neighbor Karla Juarez, "and we all knew him he was a wonderful man, so it's all very sad to know that this tragedy happened on our block."
"He was real friendly; he and his wife were always friendly, talking to everybody here, trying to help whoever he could," said neighbor Hope Pecyna.
Soto's neighbors were talking today about his kindness, the children's pool parties he hosted and the landscaped backyard he carefully tended.
"Looking at the yard, his home… it's sad, it's very sad," said neighbor Laurie Kocanda.
A steady flow of well wishers arrived throughout the evening at the detective's home. Purple bunting now hangs over the entrance.
Detective Soto received 55 honorable mentions during his time with the Chicago Police Department. His neighbor says his dedication not only showed in his work, but also in the help he gave to the elderly in the neighborhood.
"Shoveling snow. Cutting grass. Things like that. Just stopping to say hi," Moshos said.
Moshos says Soto also gave her words of encouragement following her divorce.
"He would come by and ask how things were going with my son, after things were happening," she said. "Just a real, all-around great guy. It's just a great loss and we're all gonna miss him."
Soto is survived by his wife, two children and a disabled brother he cared for.
Romberg had been an employee of the Department of Children and Family Services for 13 years, and worked as the supervisor for the Division of Child Protection, according to the agency. She also worked as the Wicker Park and Bucktown realtor for Falcon Living.
Police say they're still reviewing video from the area to track down the dark-colored vehicle, possibly a Ford Taurus or Chevy Lumina, and the three men Detective Soto said left the scene following the attack.
Anyone with information which may lead to the arrest and conviction of the killer is asked to contact Area 4 Detectives Bor or Jacobsen at (312)745-8252.
CBS 2's Joanie Lum, Derrick Blakley, Suzanne Le Mignot and the STNG Wire contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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