Login | About Us | Contact Us | Search Connect With ODMP Facebook Twitter
ODMP Remembers...

Assistant Warden Virdeen Willis, Jr. | Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois

Assistant Warden

Virdeen Willis, Jr.

Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois

End of Watch: Sunday, June 30, 1985

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 45

Tour: 19 years

Badge # Not available

Cause: Gunfire

Incident Date: 6/30/1985

Weapon: Gun; Unknown type

Suspect: Exonerated in 1999

· Leave a Reflection
· Add to My Heroes
· Update this memorial

Share this memorial:
Email to a Friend

Assistant Warden Virdeen Willis was shot and killed while off duty by a suspect who had been incarcerated at the Pontiac Correctional Center where he was the assistant warden.

The suspect saw Assistant Warden Willis leaving a bar in Chicago, walked up to him and shot him. The suspect was twice found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. On February 19, 1999, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed his conviction outright on the grounds of insufficient evidence, exonerating the suspect who was released from prison. The governor granted an absolute pardon on August 1, 2002.

Assistant Warden Willis had served with the Illinois Department of Corrections for 19 years. He was survived by his mother.

Leave a Reflection · Update Memorial

View all 11 Reflections

Most Recent Reflection

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
December 17, 2012

 

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now:

(will show below Reflection)
(will show below Reflection)
(e-mail remains private)
Remember my rank, agency and email address
I have read and agree to the Reflections Terms of Use
(revised 5/31/2012)
 
All 2013 Deaths