Chicago man charged in murder of Cook County Sheriff's Deputy Rafael Wordlaw
CHICAGO - Chicago police announced charges Thursday in the murder of off-duty Cook County Sheriff's Deputy Rafael Wordlaw.
Cordarrow Thompson, 32, was charged with multiple felonies including murder, attempted murder, murder with a strong probability of death/injury and armed habitual criminal.
Wordlaw, 31, was shot and killed by Thompson during an attempted robbery Tuesday morning at a gas station in the Woodlawn neighborhood, police said at a news conference.
"Deputy Wordlaw should have been celebrating his 32nd birthday next week, instead his family is now dealing with the loss of a loved one," CPD Supt. Larry Snelling said. "I cannot say enough to bring some type of sense to this type of violence to the family of this deputy."
Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursitti said Wordlaw was approached by Thompson who tried to rob him while he was seated in his car at the gas station.
In a matter of seconds, Thompson shot at Wordlaw 69 times using two guns simultaneously, striking him once in the chest, Ursitti said. Another victim was grazed by gunfire on the foot. Wordlaw returned fire and shot Thompson once in the leg.
Wordlaw tried to drive away in his vehicle and crashed into a pole in the 6700 block of South Indiana Avenue.
Paramedics took him to the University of Chicago Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Thompson, of the Washington Park neighborhood, limped away from the scene and went to Insight Mercy Hospital where he used false information about his identity. When police arrived, Thompson took a rideshare to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he provided another false name and a different birthday. Thompson was taken into custody around 4 a.m
Blood evidence recovered from the scene matched Thompson’s DNA.
Cordarrow Thompson | Chicago police
In all, Thompson was charged with seven felonies:
- Murder - First Degree
- Murder - Strong Probability Death/Injury
- Murder - Other Forcible Felony
- Attempt - Murder - First Degree
- Aggravated Battery/Discharge Firearm
- Attempt - Robbery - Armed with Firearm
- Armed Habitual Criminal
Additionally, Chicago police released a surveillance image of an older model Chevy Tahoe – green in color – that was used in the murder of Wordlaw. Detectives are seeking the public's help in locating this vehicle, which they said the driver's side rims appear to be different. The occupants of the vehicle should be considered armed and dangerous, according to police. If located, the public should not approach the vehicle and contact 911 immediately.
Vehicle wanted in the homicide of Deputy Rafael Wordlaw
Wordlaw had a large extended family who participated in the procession of law enforcement vehicles from the University of Chicago Medical Center to the Cook County morgue.
His family said it was difficult, they cried the entire route, but he deserved the honor. His cousins said the officer was a hero and acted as one when he was killed.
Wordlaw was a Cook County Corrections officer who worked at the jail.
"This is very frustrating," Snelling said. "It's frustrating to see this kind of violence across the city in general. Obviously, this was an individual who dedicated his life to public service and we lost this individual."
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart talked to Wordlaw’s mother, who said he was her only son. Dart described him as the very kind of person the county would want in public service.
"He was someone who always was there for everybody else," Dart said.
Cook County Sheriff's Deputy Rafael Wordlaw | Provided
The Cook County Sheriff's Office issued this statement around 4 p.m. Thursday in connection with the arrest made in Wordlaw's death:
"As we mourn the senseless loss of Deputy Rafael Wordlaw, we would like to express our appreciation for CPD's investigation that led to murder charges against the person who allegedly took his life. We hope justice will be done for Deputy Wordlaw’s family and colleagues."