Prosecutors: Man confessed in Chicago shooting of Dwyane Wade's cousin

Jessica D'Onofrio Image
Monday, August 29, 2016
Man confessed in shooting of Wade's cousin, prosecutors say
Two brothers were charged Sunday in connection with the murder of Nykea Aldridge.

CHICAGO -- Two brothers charged with killing the cousin of NBA star Dwyane Wade appeared in court Monday.

Police said both 26-year-old Darwin Sorrells and 22-year-old Derren Sorrells are documented gang members.

Derren Sorrells admitted to shooting at a 25-year-old man who was the intended target in a video-taped statement, according to papers filed by prosecutors in court. He also admitted that at the time of the shooting he was with his brother Darwin, who also had a gun.

Nykea Aldridge, 32, was shot to death Friday afternoon as she pushed her newborn in a stroller in the Parkway Gardens neighborhood on the South Side. She had just registered one of her kids for school.

Surveillance cameras in the area recorded footage of the shooting and also show both men carrying guns prior to the shooting, court documents said.

The Sorrells brothers were each charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. Police said both are on parole for previous gun charges. Derren Sorrells was released just two weeks ago and was wearing an electronic monitoring device.

"This tragedy isn't just noteworthy because Miss Aldridge has a famous family member. It's noteworthy because these two offenders are the prime example of the challenge we face here in Chicago with repeat gun offenders that don't care who they shoot," said Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson.

Johnson said he hopes the arrests "bring some small amount of closure" for the family.

Police said the brothers were aiming for a ride-share driver. Instead, Aldridge was shot four times.

One of the brothers was apprehended Friday shortly after the shooting. The other was picked up later in the evening. Police said the community played a big role the brothers' arrests.

A Cook County judge denied bond to both of the brothers on Sunday. They appeared in court Monday where they were assigned a judge and a new court date.

Sunday night, family members of Aldridge came together to remember her at a vigil.

Aldridge's mother said Nykea is the second child she has lost to gun violence.

"Just a life that's gone too soon," said Diann Aldridge, the victim's mother. "I miss her. A life is gone."

Wade was not in Chicago on Friday, but joined an ESPN roundtable on Thursday about violence in Chicago. He tweeted about his cousin's death Friday night.

Wade tweeted again on Saturday, saying, "RIP Nykea Aldridge... #EnoughIsEnough."

The family has established a trust fund for Aldridge's four children. Donation checks can be made payable to the Nykea Aldrige Children's Fund and mailed to Seaway National Bank, Attn: Daryl Newell, Chief Retail Officer, 645 E. 87th Street, Chicago, IL 60619.