Convicted felon charged with fatally stabbing 11-year-old boy in Chicago home invasion
A tragic incident unfolded in Chicago on Wednesday when a convicted felon, Crosetti Brand, was charged with fatally stabbing an 11-year-old boy and seriously injuring his pregnant mother in a home invasion attack. The attack took place in the 5900 block of North Ravenswood Avenue in Edgewater, about nine miles north of Downtown Chicago.
According to police, Brand had been paroled from prison just one day before the attack. The 37-year-old suspect faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder for the vicious assault.
The victim, Jayden Perkins, was fatally stabbed as he tried to protect his mother, Laterria Smith, who was also injured in the attack. Tragically, the knife wound severed a major artery, and the young boy bled to death. Perkins’ 5-year-old brother witnessed the horrifying incident but was unharmed.
Video footage reportedly shows Brand fleeing the scene with the knife used in the attack. Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx expressed her condolences, stating, “An innocent child’s life was taken as he tried to protect his mother, far too soon.”
The mother, Laterria Smith, was preparing her sons for school when Brand burst into the house and carried out the attack. She managed to lock herself in a bedroom, and Brand eventually left after attempting to kick down the door.
Brand has a history of domestic violence and violating orders of protection. He had previously served a 16-year sentence for home invasion and aggravated assault before being paroled and placed on electronic monitoring in October.
Despite being sent back to prison in February for violating his parole, Brand was released from the Stateville Correctional Center with electronic monitoring on Tuesday. He was arrested shortly after the stabbing.
The community held a vigil for Jayden Perkins, who was described as an exceptional student with a bright future. The family support fund highlighted his academic achievements and involvement in extracurricular activities, painting a picture of a young man with a promising future tragically cut short.
