Amid the city's latest surge of violence, an off-duty Cook County sheriff's deputy, Rafael D. Wordlaw, was fatally shot at a Woodlawn gas station, and now a suspect has been charged with his murder. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, 32-year-old Cordarrow Thompson, who has a lengthy criminal history, faces multiple charges, including murder and attempted armed robbery.
The arrest followed a swift investigation which managed to quickly bring the suspect into custody. Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling expressed during a press conference that by making this arrest, they honor Deputy Wordlaw and strive to prevent any further devastation to the community. "We want to make sure this individual can’t destroy another life or lives. Because even if it’s one life that's taken, it affects the lives of everyone who knows that individual," Snelling said, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. The killing, which occurred early Tuesday morning, shook the local law enforcement community and prompted an outpouring of grief and calls for justice.
Rafael Wordlaw, who was set to celebrate his 32nd birthday next week, was remembered as a dedicated public servant and family man. He followed in his father's footsteps, a Chicago police officer, and was looked up to in the community. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart described Wordlaw's aspiration to emulate his father's role in the neighborhood, dubbed "officer friendly," said the Chicago Sun-Times. Dart also called for a confrontation with the pervasive gun violence: "How in God’s name can we have someone firing off 69 rounds at somebody?"
Wordlaw's family and friends held a vigil Wednesday night, where his loss was mourned and his life celebrated. "The most important thing I’ll miss about him is missing his voice and making us laugh," his cousin, Atasia Harper, told NBC Chicago. His sister, Kendal Wordlaw, expressed hope that change can be inspired in his memory, mirroring the positive impact he had made. The vigil included prayer and the release of balloons as those gathered paid tribute to Wordlaw's legacy as a "protector, achiever and an all-around great person," as his Aunt Rosie Henry described him in an interview with NBC Chicago.
Thompson, meanwhile, was apprehended after seeking treatment for a gunshot wound, first at Insight Hospital and then at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, reportedly giving false information to hospital staff. He was taken into custody within three hours of the shooting. His prior convictions include felony gun charges and possession of drugs. The rapid resolution to the case has been cited by the police superintendent as a step toward justice for the Wordlaw family and the entire community shaken by the tragedy.
