Derren and Darwin Sorrells. (Chicago Police Department)
The brothers charged in the murder of Dwyane Wade’s cousin Nykea Aldridge are both felons with criminal records in the state of Illinois.
Both Derren and Darwin Sorrells were on parole, and one brother had been released just two weeks before Aldridge was murdered, Department of Corrections records showed.
Aldridge, a 32-year-old mother of four, was shot in the head and arm as she walked with a baby stroller after leaving a Chicago elementary school where she had just registered her children. Police say she was not the intended target, and the Sorrells’ brothers were allegedly shooting at a man who said he was an Uber driver but was driving independently.
Nykea Aldridge. (Facebook/Nykea Aldridge)
The Chicago police Superintendent, Eddie Johnson, highlighted the brothers’ past troubles with the law in a news conference after their arrests. Johnson said the brothers’ past encounters with the criminal justice system highlights problems with how the system works.
Johnson told the Chicago Tribune: “This tragedy isn’t just noteworthy because Ms. Aldridge has a famous family member. Rather, it shows that the cycle of arrests, convictions and parole isn’t changing the behavior of those who repeatedly commit crimes.”
The crime has also stoked political controversy, with Donald Trump drawing criticism over tweets he made after the death. The Wade family – Dwyane and his mother Pastor Jolinda Wade, especially – have been outspoken on the topic of gun violence and troubled youth in Chicago.
What exactly were the criminal histories of Derren and Darwin Sorrells?
Here’s what you need to know:
Derren Sorrells’ Criminal & Parole History
Derren Sorrells. (Illinois Department of Corrections)
Derren Sorrells, 22, was paroled on August 12, 2016, just two weeks before Aldridge was murdered, after being imprisoned since 2013, according to Department of Corrections records. He has tattoos of a cross and the word “God.”
The Department of Corrections provided this sentencing history for him:
OFFENSE: AID/ABET/POSS/SELL STOLEN VEH
CUSTODY DATE: 08/28/2012
SENTENCE: 6 Years 0 Months 0 Days
COUNTY: COOK
SENTENCE DISCHARGED?: NO
OFFENSE: ESCAPE/VIOLATE ELEC MONITORING
CUSTODY DATE: 08/28/2012
SENTENCE: 2 Years 0 Months 0 Days
COUNTY: COOK
SENTENCE DISCHARGED?: NO
In addition to the sentencing history, Derren Sorrells had six felony arrests, said Fox News.
Darwin Sorrells’ Criminal & Parole History
Darwin Sorrells’ mug shot. (Illinois Department of Corrections)
According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, Darwin Sorrells is on parole. He was paroled on Feb. 10, 2016, says the DOC. He was listed as being 26-years-old, and 5 foot 8 inches tall and 175 pounds with numerous tattoos, including one of the Chicago skyline and another of a cross that says “RIP Tywon.”
The Corrections Department says Darwin Sorrells has this criminal sentencing history:
OFFENSE: RECEIVE/POSS/SELL STOLEN VEH
CUSTODY DATE: 01/10/2013
SENTENCE: 6 Years 0 Months 0 Days
COUNTY: COOK
SENTENCE DISCHARGED?: NO
OFFENSE: FELON POSS/USE FIREARM PRIOR
CUSTODY DATE: 01/10/2013
SENTENCE: 6 Years 0 Months 0 Days
COUNTY: COOK
SENTENCE DISCHARGED?: NO
OFFENSE: AGG UNLWFL USE WEAPON/VEH/2ND
CUSTODY DATE: 04/01/2011
SENTENCE: 5 Years 0 Months 0 Days
COUNTY: COOK
SENTENCE DISCHARGED?: YES
OFFENSE: AGG BATTERY/PUBLIC PLACE
CUSTODY DATE: 09/09/2007
SENTENCE: 0 Years 90 Months 0 Days
COUNTY: COOK
SENTENCE DISCHARGED?: YES
OFFENSE: AGG BATTERY/GREAT BODILY HARM
CUSTODY DATE: 09/09/2007
SENTENCE: 0 Years 90 Months 0 Days
COUNTY: COOK
SENTENCE DISCHARGED?: YES
Street Gang History
According to Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, Derren Sorrells was a “documented” member of the Gangster Disciples’ street gang.
Derren Sorells 22 year old male who is a documented member of the Gangster Disciples. Mr. Sorells is on parole
The Gangster Disciples is considered one of Chicago’s “most notorious” street gangs, and its members have been linked to heroin and cocaine trafficking.
Was One Brother Wearing an Ankle Bracelet at the Time of the Shooting?
According to police, Derren Sorrells was on an ankle bracelet when Aldridge was killed, but it was “inactive,” said Fox News.
Fox News said, according to police, that “Derren’s ankle monitor was inactive from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., ostensibly so he could look for work.”
