A Chicago man is heading to prison for two decades after admitting he tried to kill his girlfriend in a Naperville hotel room attack that prosecutors say involved 11 stab wounds and left her seriously injured in 2022.
Judge hands down 20-year term
Willie Tidwell, 53, pleaded guilty in December to attempted murder and was sentenced Monday by DuPage County Judge Margaret O’Connell, according to Daily Herald. Prosecutors said Tidwell must serve 85% of the 20-year sentence before he is eligible for parole, WGN‑TV reported.
Attack and arrest
According to the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office, Tidwell went to the Extended Stay at 1827 Center Point Circle in Naperville on Sept. 10, 2022, and after an argument struck the victim, then stabbed her 11 times in the stomach, neck and chest. He was later identified as the suspect and arrested in Calumet City weeks after the attack, Fox 32 reported.
Prosecutors and police speak out
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release that Tidwell "ruthlessly beat and stabbed" the woman and stressed that domestic violence cases remain a top priority for his office. Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said he was grateful the victim survived and credited detectives for their work in bringing the case to sentencing, according to the same release.
Plea and legal context
Tidwell’s December guilty plea to attempted murder meant there would be no jury trial and left the punishment in Judge O’Connell’s hands, the paper reports. Prosecutors characterized the 20-year term as a substantial sentence that will keep Tidwell behind bars for most of the next two decades before he can be considered for parole.
Where the case stands now
Tidwell was taken into custody nearly three weeks after the Sept. 10, 2022 attack and was held without bond while the case moved through court, according to CBS Chicago. With sentencing now complete, local reports indicate he will begin serving the 20-year prison term ordered by Judge O’Connell.
