Former Chicago Cop Denied Expungement in Girlfriend's Shooting Death

Judge rules public interest outweighs ex-officer's request to seal records from 2021 fatal shooting trial

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A Cook County judge has denied a former Chicago police officer's request to expunge and seal records related to his 2021 arrest and trial for the fatal shooting of his girlfriend, Andris Wofford. The judge ruled that the public's interest in retaining the record outweighed the former officer's, Pierre Tyler, desire to have the case sealed. Tyler, a U.S. Army combat veteran, was found not guilty by a jury in 2024 after claiming the shooting was an accident during a struggle over the gun.

Why it matters

The case highlights the challenges former law enforcement officers can face in trying to move on from high-profile incidents, even when they are acquitted. It also raises questions about public access to records in cases involving police use of force, especially when the outcomes are disputed.

The details

Tyler, who resigned from the police department after the incident, was arrested in December 2021 and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his 29-year-old girlfriend, Wofford, at her home. Tyler claimed the two tussled over a gun before it discharged and killed Wofford, but prosecutors argued the evidence did not support his account. A jury ultimately found Tyler not guilty in May 2024 after four hours of deliberation. Wofford's family later filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tyler and the city, which was settled last year for $60,000.

  • Tyler was arrested on December 9, 2021.
  • Tyler was found not guilty by a jury in May 2024.
  • The wrongful death lawsuit was settled last year.

The players

Pierre Tyler

A former Chicago police officer and U.S. Army combat veteran who was acquitted in the 2021 shooting death of his girlfriend, Andris Wofford.

Andris Wofford

A 29-year-old woman who was fatally shot by her boyfriend, former Chicago police officer Pierre Tyler, in 2021.

Judge Mary Anna Planey

The Cook County judge who denied Tyler's requests to expunge and seal records related to the 2021 shooting.

Tim Grace

The attorney representing former officer Pierre Tyler.

Michelle Papa

An assistant state's attorney who prosecuted the case against Tyler.

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What they’re saying

“The public's interest in retaining the record is greater than Mr. Tyler's interest' in expunging it.”

— Judge Mary Anna Planey (Chicago Tribune)

“He spent his entire life, both as a soldier and police officer, protecting the public.”

— Tim Grace, Tyler's attorney (Chicago Tribune)

“It makes no sense, I agree.”

— Michelle Papa, Assistant State's Attorney (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Tyler's attorney has filed an oral motion to seal the case, but that was also denied by the judge.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges former law enforcement officers can face in trying to move on from high-profile incidents, even when they are ultimately acquitted. It also raises broader questions about public access to records in cases involving police use of force.