A man has been charged with murdering an 11-year-old child and attacking his pregnant mother in a domestic violence attack in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood.
Police on Friday revealed disturbing details on what happened as they announced that Crosetti Brand now faces charges of first-degree murder, home invasion with a dangerous weapon, aggravated domestic battery and violation of an order of protection, among others. According to Chicago police, a suspect was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon.
Brand is accused of attacking the family just one day after he was released from prison. He had previously served a 16-year sentence for home invasion and aggravated assault and was paroled in October, but sent back to prison for violating his parole in February after sending the female victim a text and showing up at her home, authorities said.
"He entered the home of the family and took the life of an innocent 11-year-old boy, the boy's mother was stabbed multiple times and she had an order of protection against the offender," said CPD Supt. Larry Snelling. "Her 5-year-old son was also present and witnessed the attack."
The incident happened around 8 a.m. Wednesday in the 5900 block of North Ravenswood.
Police said officers arrived at the Peterson Plaza apartments Wednesday morning and found two victims inside a unit - an 11-year-old child with an injury to the chest and a 33-year-old woman who suffered multiple stab wounds to the body. Authorities originally said the child was 10 years old, but police and the Cook County Medical Examiner's office later said the boy was 11 and identified him as Jayden Perkins.
The pair were both taken to an area hospital, but the child did not survive. The woman was listed in critical condition.
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A large vigil was held on Thursday night for Jayden, who attended Peirce Elementary School. Classmates, friends and loved ones remembered Jayden as a smart, open-minded student who had a passion for dancing and acting.
"He's not one to back down from a challenge especially. He's always willing too," classmate Mason Hamm said of Jayden. "I miss him. I know everybody's gonna miss him."
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Alexis Perez shared a passion for acting with Jayden, reminiscing on meeting with him for rehearsals every Tuesday after school.
"He was so respectful, he was like family," Alexis said.
Jayden was an accomplished dancer in addition to his acting, having just won an award at a competition in Rosemont last weekend with Gus Giordano Dance School.
"He was an amazing dancer. His turns were impeccable, his technique was great," dancer Nathaniel Vodak told NBC Chicago. "I loved it."
