An 11-year-old boy tragically lost his life after "trying to protect" his pregnant mother during a domestic violence incident.
The heartbreaking tragedy took place on Wednesday (March 13) when Jayden Perkins's mom - identified as 33-year-old Laterria Smith - was getting her children ready for school.
According to a press conference by the Chicago Police Department, Crosetti Brand - whom Smith has an order of protection against - allegedly broke into the family home and forced his way inside.
He then fatally stabbed the young boy and left his pregnant mother critically injured in the attack. Her five-year-old son was also in the home at the time, authorities revealed.
During the attack, Jayden tried "to protect his mother," Cook County Attorney Kim Foxx disclosed at the press conference. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital while his mom, who is eight months pregnant, and her unborn baby are expected to recover, CBS Chicago reported.
"An 11-year-old boy lost his life brutally. A woman stabbed brutally in a domestic attack. Where is the outrage for this family?" said Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling at a press conference. "Let's focus on the victims."
The convicted felon, who has a history of domestic abuse, was serving a 16-year sentence for home invasion and aggravated assault at the Stateville Correctional Center when he was released on parole on Tuesday (March 12), just a day before the violent attack, per PEOPLE.
He was in a relationship with Smith 15 years ago but she had filed orders of protection against him, Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursitti said. It was also disclosed that Brand was placed on an electronic monitor in October and allegedly "threatened the victim via text and showed up at her home," which led to him being sent back to prison in February.
"This defendant has a history of domestic violence and had only been recently released from serving a sentence from a prior conviction," Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said. "The victim had an order of protection against him from previous encounters, and this history paints a disturbing pattern of behavior which emphasizes the importance of the filing of the charges today."
Snelling expressed his frustration over the suspect being released after violating his probation multiple times, stating: "He violated an order of protection and it involved the same type of crime that he was paroled for. So this is someone who should not have been on the street.”
Brand now faces a series of charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, home invasion with a dangerous weapon, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, and prior violation of an order of protection.
Ms. Foxx shared her thoughts about the devasting incident, saying: "An innocent child's life was taken to try to protect his mother, far too soon, and a mother was attacked in what should have been the safest place for her, which was her home," per ABC News.
Jayden attended the Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies, a Chicago public elementary school. A support fund has been set up on Cheddar Up for the late boy's family by the Peirce Elementary School Community and the Gus Giordano Dance School.
"Jayden was an exceptional young man, respected by his peers and admired by his teachers. He excelled academically, earning straight As and consistently making the honor roll," the community wrote in the memorial fund.
"He was also deeply involved in extracurricular activities, participating in cross country, football, and the arts. Jayden had a passion for performing and theater, and he had the lead role in several school plays, including 'Finding Nemo' at Peirce Elementary," they added.
The website revealed that Jayden's mother had worked as a recess coach at Peirce before moving to the medical field. "As a recess coach at Peirce Elementary, Laterria made a lasting impact on the lives of students, supporting them in their daily activities and fostering a sense of belonging," they penned.
"Now, as Laterria navigates her role in the medical field, we stand united in offering our support and condolences to her and her family during this difficult time of loss and grief," the community added.
Our thoughts are with the victims affected by this senseless tragedy.
