Almost ten years have passed since the tragic death of Cook County Judge Raymond Myles, who was fatally shot outside his home in a robbery attempt. Judge Myles was a respected figure in his community and the eldest of ten siblings, serving as a guiding force both in his family and within the Cook County judiciary.

A hearing took place on Monday before the sentencing of his convicted murderer. During this event, Myles’ family members reflected on his life and legacy. His closest relatives described him as a devoted father and as a jurist who was deeply committed to serving others.

“With a servant’s heart,” they said, Judge Myles worked tirelessly and supported everyone he could.

Myles’ son, Raymond Myles Jr., shared his memories, emphasizing the wisdom, principles, and values passed down from his father. Remembering the moment he received news of his father’s death while deployed in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army, he expressed a deep longing for the chance to have one last conversation and to embrace his father.

“I would give anything to have one more conversation with my father. I would give anything to hug him one more time and tell him how much I love him.”

Among the family members, Vernell Tibbs, Judge Myles’ sister, voiced the enduring pain that their family continues to experience.

“No one should be made to feel the kind of sorrow that my family has been made to feel,” Tibbs shared, reflecting the profound loss and confusion that permeates their lives.

These sentiments were echoed by other members of the family who gathered at the Cook County Criminal Courthouse in Bridgeview.

Earl Wilson was convicted earlier in the year of murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and armed robbery in connection to the 2017 shooting. His co-defendant, Joshua Smith, had pleaded guilty to armed robbery in 2024 and received a sentence of 35 years in prison.

The trial took place in Bridgeview, supervised by DuPage County Judge Jeffrey McKay, to avoid potential conflicts of interest due to Judge Myles’ connections in the Cook County court system.

Judge Myles’ murder marked the first killing of a judge in the area in over thirty years, sparking a significant response from his colleagues and the local legal community.

Venita Parrish, Judge Myles’ girlfriend, was with him during the robbery. Parrish testified in court, recounting the terrifying events, including her attempt to reach the authorities.

“Please, hurry,” she was heard pleading on her 911 call, played in court, recalling her desperate need for assistance.

Parrish was injured during the robbery, suffering a gunshot wound to her leg.

The sentencing for Wilson is scheduled for mid-November, with both the prosecutors and defense counsel acknowledging that Wilson faces life imprisonment. Prosecutors are seeking additional sentencing enhancements.

“He’s never going home again—ever—even if you give him the minimum,” stated Wilson’s attorney, LaFanzo Palmer.

Retired Cook County Judge Nicholas Ford provided an additional victim impact statement, honoring the positive influence Judge Myles had on young people.

“He was driven to do anything in his power to help these young people’s lives change for the better,” Ford stated, recalling Judge Myles’ commitment to providing hope and guidance to the youth.

Ford highlighted Judge Myles’ profound impact, acknowledging the noble contributions he made, stating, “How can anyone possibly do anything more noble than that?”

Tamika Tibbs, niece of Judge Myles, shared a heartfelt memory from her childhood when her uncle had humorously nicknamed her “Miss A” for earning straight A’s on her report card.

“It gave me a sense of pride and encouraged me to continue to strive for excellence,” she remembered, cherishing those moments with her uncle.

As the hearing concluded, Wilson addressed the court, denying his involvement in the murder of Judge Myles.

“I did not kill his father,” Wilson declared, referring to Myles Jr. and asserting his perceived innocence.

Wilson questioned why he would ever target such a respected community figure, stating, “Why would I want to take such an asset from my community?”