Chicago, Illinois – Newly-released court documents are revealing the heartbreaking events that occurred leading to the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy in Edgewater as he bravely tried to protect his pregnant mother from a domestic violence attack.
The young boy, Jayden Perkins, lost his life when Crosetti Brand, with a history of domestic abuse, broke into the family’s apartment in Edgewater. Brand had recently been released from prison and had multiple orders of protection against him. Despite reminders about the protection order, he carried out a violent attack on Jayden’s mother.
On the fateful day, Brand forced his way into the family’s apartment and began stabbing the victim as she tried to protect herself. Jayden tried to intervene and help his mother but ended up being fatally stabbed in the process.
The victim managed to lock herself in a bedroom, and when she emerged, she found Jayden lying on the floor, motionless. Fortunately, her other son, a 6-year-old boy, was unharmed during the horrific incident.
Neighbors who heard screams alerted authorities, leading to the discovery of the injured mother and her two sons. Emergency responders arrived to find Jayden with a fatal stab wound to his chest, while his mother sustained multiple stab wounds but was still alive and receiving medical treatment.
Brand was captured on surveillance video disposing of evidence and changing his appearance following the attack. He was eventually apprehended by police at his home, wearing clothing stained with what appeared to be blood. He now faces a slew of charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder.
The community has been left reeling by this senseless act of violence, with authorities working diligently to ensure that justice is served for Jayden and his family. The impact of domestic violence on families is a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing warning signs before such tragedies occur.