An 11-year old boy is dead after being stabbed to death while trying to protect his pregnant mother during a home invasion in Chicago, Illinois. Police say the mother had an order of protection against the alleged murderer, who had been out of prison on parole for just one day, and had several parole violations.
37-year-old Crosetti Brand allegedly broke into Jayden Perkins and his mother’s apartment and repeatedly stabbed her. When Jayden stepped in to protect his pregnant mother, Brand stabbed the boy several times in the chest, hitting his carotid artery and killing him. Jayden’s 6-year-old brother was also home at the time of the attack. He was left unharmed.
Jayden’s mother and her unborn baby survived, but now officials are searching for answers, particularly why Brand was set free in the first place.
According to court documents, Brand was a former boyfriend of Jayden’s mom, 15 years ago. The records also show that she had an order of protection against the former boyfriend for alarming behaviors.
A Pattern of Behaviors
In October 2023, Brand was released from prison after serving eight years of a 16-year sentence for home invasion and other crimes, including the domestic abuse of another woman.
In January, after being reminded upon his fall release that Brand had an order of protection against him from Jayden’s mom, filed back in 2005, Jayden’s mom reported that she began receiving threatening text messages from Brand. Just two days later, court documents show he allegedly went to her and Jayden’s home and tried to open the door.
Soon after that, Jayden’s mom put in for a new order of protection against Brand, in which she detailed the recent encounters.
After Jayden’s mom received death threats from Brand, he was taken back into custody for violating his parole. He was released just a few weeks later on March 12, before attacking Jayden and his mom in their home on March 13.
Jayden’s Death Was Completely Preventable
Former prosecutor Steve Bario says it’s “utterly beyond me” how this man was paroled after being sent back to prison for the same patterns of behavior in just February.
“It absolutely could be prevented,” he emphasizes.
Bario says in this case, the parole board must be held accountable.
In the aftermath of this horrific tragedy, Illinois Prisoner Review Board LeAnn miller, who was the lead reviewer of Brand’s case, has resigned.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker released a statement Monday, saying “It is clear that evidence in this case was not given the careful consideration that victims of domestic violence deserve and I am committed to ensuring additional safeguards and training are in place to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.”
Brand, who is scheduled to face a judge next month is being charged with murder, attempted murder, and home invasion.
Jayden is remembered for his joy and light. He loved to dance, and was especially excited after receiving a scholarship to GUS, the Giordano Dance School in Chicago, where he practiced several types of dance, and specialized in Ballet.
