District Attorney Press Release on Chester Police Shooting

THE ROLE OF THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT

OF THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, DELAWARE COUNTY

Media- District Attorney G. Michael Green is charged with overseeing investigations of the use of deadly force in Delaware County.  Police involved shooting are included under this scope of review.  

Investigations into the use of deadly force are conducted by the District Attorney’s Special Investigations Unit currently comprised of two detectives, Robert Lythgoe and Thomas Worrilow.  Detective Worrilow has been a member of the Special Investigations Unit for 22 years.  Detective Lythgoe has been with the Unit for six years.  Detective Lythgoe is a former Chief of Police for Tinicum Township where he served over twenty years.  These experienced detectives report directly to Chief Deputy Jackson Stewart who in turn reports directly to District Attorney Green.  

Detectives Lythgoe and Worrilow conduct their investigations in a special area of the Office of the District Attorney separated from the detectives who make up the Criminal Investigation Division.  While detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division often work with local law enforcement to investigate matters, Detectives Lythgoe and Worrilow do not work in concert with local law enforcement.  The investigations conducted by Detectives Lythgoe and Worrilow are at all times conducted in a manner to preserve the objectivity and integrity of the investigative process.  

The Special Investigations Unit has investigated numerous matters involving local law enforcement some of which have resulted in the prosecutions.  Most recently, the Special Investigation Unit investigated former state constable William Denney after receiving citizen and police complaints concerning this individual.  

As part of a thorough investigation, the Special Investigations Unit often relies upon reports prepared by the medical examiner and experts in the area of forensic sciences, ballistics testing, crime scene reports and eyewitness interviews.  On Friday, August 5, 2011, Detectives Worrilow and Lythgoe commenced an investigation into a police involved shooting in the unit block of East 23^rd Street in the City of Chester.  This investigation is ongoing.  Detectives Worrilow and Lythgoe continue to meet with people who have information concerning the events of August 5^th.  Anyone with information regarding the events of this day is encouraged to contact Detective Lythgoe at 610-891-4243 or Detective Worrilow at 610-891-4244.

In keeping with a long-standing practice, District Attorney Green will invite the family of the deceased to meet with him to discuss the investigation once it has been concluded.   Until the conclusion of the investigation, the Office of the District Attorney will continue to preserve the integrity of the investigative process and will not offer any comment on the substance of the investigation.