Man charged with murder of Cook County Sheriff's Deputy during 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 due to appear in court Thursday for a detention hearing.

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.

Police said just before 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wordlaw was sitting in his car while off duty Clark gas station at the corner of 67th Street and Eberhart Avenue, when another man approached, pulled out a handgun, and announced a robbery.

Wordlaw also pulled out a gun, leading to a shootout.

Accused gunman fired nearly 70 rounds, law enforcement officials say

Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursitti said Thompson fired with two 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.

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 University of Chicago Medical Center. A second victim at the gas station 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 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 Hospital. Gunshot residue and DNA evidence also linked him to the shooting.

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.

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.

Worldaw'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.