Chicago man sentenced to 20 years for 2022 attempted murder in Naperville hotel

Willie Tidwell, a 53-year-old Chicago man, was sentenced to twenty years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to one count of attempted murder, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced on June 29. Judge Margaret O’Connell delivered the sentence following a hearing at which Tidwell appeared.

Tidwell was accused of stabbing a female acquaintance multiple times in her stomach, neck, and chest during an incident that occurred in September 2022. According to authorities, Tidwell and the victim were involved in a romantic relationship. On September 10, 2022, at approximately 9:17 p.m., Tidwell went to the Extended Stay hotel located at 1827 Centre Point Circle in Naperville where the victim had been staying. After accusing her of ignoring his calls and blocking his phone number, an argument escalated into violence. Prosecutors said Tidwell repeatedly hit the victim before pulling out a knife and stabbing her eleven times.

After the attack, Tidwell fled the scene while the victim called emergency services. Following an investigation into the incident, law enforcement identified Tidwell as a suspect and took him into custody from a home in Calumet City on September 30 without incident. He has remained held at DuPage County jail since October 1, when bond was denied by court order.

Berlin said, “The brutal attack of an innocent woman who was left for dead alone in a hotel room, beaten and stabbed multiple times, is a stark reminder that domestic violence continues to plague society. The survivor of this horrendous attack will carry physical and emotional scars with her for the rest of her life and I wish her strength as she copes with the aftermath of what Mr. Tidwell has done to her. Domestic violence remains a top priority of my office, and we remain committed to holding individuals who choose violence accountable for their actions. While we are all extremely grateful that the victim has survived her injuries, this case underscores the devastating impact domestic violence has not only on the survivors but on society.”

Tidwell will be required to serve eighty-five percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

DuPage County is also home to more than 142,000 students across its schools with an average student-to-teacher ratio of thirteen-to-one during the most recent school year; teacher absenteeism rates were recorded at thirty-eight percent countywide compared with thirty-six percent statewide; York Community High School had among its highest white student enrollment figures; Metea Valley High School had among its highest multiracial student enrollments; Westmore Elementary School recorded notable Pacific Islander enrollment; Addison Trail High School saw high Hispanic student enrollment according to the Illinois State Board of Education.