Chicago, Illinois – Newly released court documents are uncovering the tragic sequence of events that led to the death of an 11-year-old boy in Edgewater. The young boy, identified as Jayden Perkins, lost his life while bravely trying to defend his pregnant mother from a domestic violence attack.
The assailant, Crosetti Brand, a man with a history of domestic abuse and three orders of protection against him, broke into the family’s Edgewater apartment. Brand had been released from prison just one day prior to the fatal incident, having previously served time for violating an order of protection while on parole from a 16-year sentence for home invasion and aggravated assault.
Prior to the deadly attack, Brand had visited his ex-girlfriend’s home, threatening her and her family. Despite turning himself in to the police and being incarcerated, Brand was released and went on to violently attack the victim and her children. As the victim’s mother listened helplessly on the phone, Brand stabbed both the mother and Jayden, resulting in the young boy’s tragic death.
The victim’s harrowing ordeal did not end there. After managing to lock herself in a bedroom, she discovered Jayden lying on the floor, motionless. Fortunately, her younger son, a 6-year-old boy, remained unharmed during the attack.
Neighbors who heard the commotion alerted the authorities, leading to the discovery of the heartbreaking scene inside the apartment. Emergency personnel found Jayden with a fatal stab wound, while his mother, who suffered multiple stab wounds, was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Despite the severity of her injuries, she and her unborn baby were expected to survive.
Following the attack, Brand was captured on surveillance video discarding evidence and trying to evade authorities. Ultimately, he was apprehended at his home and charged with a slew of serious offenses, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, home invasion, and armed robbery. Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the case, and forensic testing was pending on potential evidence recovered from the scene.
As the community grapples with the tragic loss of Jayden Perkins, advocates continue to raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence and the urgent need for intervention and support for victims of abuse. The heartbreaking details of this case serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing such senseless acts of violence within our communities.