Ex-con charged with murder of Cook County sheriff’s deputy

[August 03, 2024]  By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A two-time convicted felon is accused of killing a Cook County sheriff’s deputy.

Law enforcement officials announced that 32-year-old Cordarrow Thompson has been charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree murder, for the fatal shooting of Sheriff's Deputy Rafael Wordlaw on Chicago’s South Side.

Chicago Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon said the suspect is a violent felon who was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

“This is the third time in the 16 months that I’ve been in my position here in Chicago that we’re announcing murder charges against someone who murdered one of our law-enforcement officers during a robbery,” Amon said.

Wordlaw’s killing follows the fatal shootings of Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca and retired Chicago Police Officer Larry Neuman earlier this year. Chicago Police Officer Areanah Preston was fatally shot during a robbery attempt in May 2023.

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx said the suspect had been convicted of two prior gun offenses and was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2020. Foxx explained why he was released from that sentence in January 2023.

“You get good credit for 50% off, plus the time that he was in custody prior to trial,” Foxx said.

A Chicago Police Department vehicle
Chicago Police Department via X

At the news conference announcing the charges, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart emphasized the availability of guns and said society must come to terms with the issue.

“How in God’s name can we have someone firing off 69 rounds at somebody? In a sane society, come on,” Dart said.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said these problems cannot be solved with policies alone.

“We need tougher gun laws. We need more accountability when it comes to people who are committing acts of violence. But, at the same time, policies are not enough. We need people to get engaged. We need people to be involved,” Snelling explained.

Foxx said more must be done to prevent these situations.

Cook County Sheriff’s Deputy Rafael Wordlaw was 31 years old.