On May 20, 2010, Thomas E. Wortham IV, a 30-year-old African American male and probationary police officer with the Chicago Police Department, was tragically shot and killed in Chicago, Illinois. Officer Wortham was off-duty at the time, visiting his parents' home to show them pictures from the Police Week activities he had attended in Washington, D.C.
As he was leaving his parents' home around 11:25 p.m., four men approached him and attempted to rob him of his motorcycle near the intersection of East 85th Street and South Martin Luther King Drive.
Officer Wortham identified himself as a police officer and drew his service weapon, firing at the suspects. Despite his efforts, he was fatally shot in the abdomen. His father, a retired Chicago police sergeant, witnessed the shooting and exchanged gunfire with the suspects. One of the suspects was killed, another was seriously wounded, and the remaining two fled the scene in a vehicle.
The investigation led to the arrest of three suspects: Brian Floyd, Marcus Floyd, Paris McGee, and Toyius Taylor. Brian Floyd was killed at the scene, while Marcus Floyd, Paris McGee, and Toyius Taylor were later charged with first-degree murder. In November 2014, Marcus Floyd and Toyius Taylor were convicted of Officer Wortham's murder and sentenced to life in prison. Paris McGee also received a life sentence for his involvement in the crime.
Officer Wortham had served with the Chicago Police Department for nearly three years and was assigned to the Englewood District. He had previously served with the Evergreen Park Police Department for eight months and had recently returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq while serving with the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Officer Wortham was survived by his sister and parents.
The tragic death of Officer Thomas E. Wortham IV highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, even when off-duty, and the impact such losses have on their families and communities.
