Man charged with murder of Cook County Sheriff's Deputy Rafael Wordlaw during gas station shootout
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A convicted felon has been charged with the murder of Cook County Sheriff's Deputy Rafael Wordlaw during a robbery attempt earlier this week at a gas station in the West Woodlawn neighborhood.
"We honor Deputy Wordlaw by bringing his killer to justice. We want to make sure that this individual cannot destroy another life or lives, because even if it's one life that is taken, it affects the lives of everyone who knows that individual," Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling said.
Cordarrow Thompson, 32, has been arrested on multiple felony counts, including murder, attempted murder, attempted armed robbery, aggravated battery, and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. He was ordered to be detained at his first court hearing Thursday.
Snelling offered his condolences to Wordlaw's family and his colleagues at the Cook County Sheriff's office.
"Losing one of your own is never easy. It's also worse when you know that you've lost someone to senseless gun violence. We've seen this all too often. Deputy Wordlaw should have been celebrating his 32nd birthday next week. Instead, his family is now dealing with the loss of a loved one," Snelling said.
Details of the murder were read aloud at a detention hearing in Cook County Criminal Court on Thursday—in front of Wordlaw's family. The deputy's family members sat in the front row in court, and sobs were heard coming from that section of the fully packed courtroom.
An assistant Cook County State's Attorney talked through DNA evidence that authorities say ties Thompson to the crime scene, and also about how Wordlaw spent his last few moments trying to protect a friend.
"He fought protecting his friend. He was a hero," said Wordlaw's mother, Linda Davenport"He was a hero in the incident, and he fought, and he fought."
Davenport was supposed to be celebrating her son's 32nd birthday next week. Instead on Thursday, she was sitting steps away from his accused killer in a courtroom.
"I will fight hard for him, and everybody here is fighting for him," Davenport said of her late son.
Prosecutors said just before 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wordlaw and his friend were in two separate cars. They were on their way home from an event and had stopped for gas at the Clark station at the corner of 67th Street and Eberhart Avenue.
While Wordlaw's friend was pumping gas, a gunman allegedly came up to Wordlaw's car holding two guns, and said, "Give me everything."
Accused gunman fired nearly 70 rounds, law enforcement officials say
Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursitti said Thompson fired with both weapons at once. A total of 69 rounds were fired in the shootout, and Ursitti said Wordlaw fired one shot, hitting Thompson in the leg.
Wordlaw opened his driver's side door and fired one shot first, prosecutors said.
ATF officials said Thompson was armed with a high-powered firearm with a conversion device that allowed it to fire more than 30 rounds in two seconds. Police said the weapons have not yet been recovered.
Police said Thompson took off running from the scene after the shootout.
Wordlaw was shot in the chest, and drove wounded for a half mile before his car hit a pole. He later died at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Wordlaw's friend was grazed by a bullet during the shootout.
"It's a tragedy," said his sister, Kendal Wordlaw. "You know, that was my only brother—my big brother."
Thompson later showed up at Insight Hospital and Medical Center to be treated for his gunshot wound, and provided false information about his identity to officers who arrived at the hospital, according to police. He then left Insight and took a ride to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he continued to provide false information about his identity.
Surveillance video helped police identify Thompson as the man who shot Wordlaw, and he was arrested about three hours after the shootout at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Gunshot residue and DNA evidence also linked him to the shooting.
"This is happening so quickly because he was a service provider, and he served, and he wanted justice to be served for him," said Davenport.
Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said Thompson has two prior convictions on gun charges. In 2015, he was convicted of unlawful use of a weapon, and later sentenced to four years in prison. In 2020, he was convicted of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, and later sentenced to eight years in prison, but was released in 2023 after being given credit for good behavior and his time in custody before his conviction.
Thompson had most recently been released from jail in January of this year, after being held for unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.
"Obviously, we need tougher laws. We need tougher gun laws," Snelling said. "We need more accountability when it comes to people who are committing acts of violence."
Thompson's public defender tried arguing that because he was not positively identified by witnesses in a photo array, he should be released before trial. The judge denied that request.
Police late Thursday were still looking for the driver of a green older-model Chevrolet Tahoe with unique rims on the driver's side—which they said was used as a possible getaway car.
Police said the person who drove the car should be considered armed and dangerous.
Wordlaw's family says they know "justice will be served."
A day after the shooting, and just shy of Wordlaw's 32nd birthday, his loved ones gathered Wednesday night to remember him with a balloon release.
"He loved everybody. He was a good man," said Wordlaw's sister, Francesca Wordlaw. "He graduated and went through the academy, and followed his dreams. I'm so proud of him."
To Wordlaw's family, the arrest in his murder is one step closer to bringing justice for a man they said only wanted to inspire peace in everyone he met.
"I know justice will be served," said Kendal Wordlaw. "God is on our side."
The vigil made clear that Wordlaw was loved by many. Messages of condolence came from his family, friends, and fellow deputies—and from other law enforcement agencies across the area.
All of them praised Wordlaw for his service, and the impact he had on those who knew him.
Wordlaw's family said his calling was always to serve and protect.
"He was very protective. He was protective over me. He was protective over his sister and all his family. He loved us," said the deputy's sister, Kendal Wordlaw, "and being his baby sister, I always felt protected."
As a Cook County Sheriff's Deputy, Wordlaw got to protect people on the job too.
"Rafael, I can say, was a very, very humble, humble spirit," said Wordlaw's aunt, Rosie Henry.
