An 11-year-old boy lost his life in a domestic violence incident where he bravely tried to shield his pregnant mother and younger brother from her ex-boyfriend, recently released from prison, leaving his mother critically injured.
According to the Chicago Police Department , the “offender Crosetti Brand, 37, was arrested by members of the Chicago Police Department and the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force on March 13, 2024, at 12:20pm., in the 4400 blocks of S. Cottage Grove Ave.
H faces multiple charges, including murder, for the fatal stabbing of 11-year-old Jayden Perkins and the attempted murder of his mother, 33-year-old Laterria Smith, who survived the assault but was hospitalized in a critical condition. In a fundraiser launched by the community to help support the surviving family as they navigate through this “difficult time.”
During a press briefing on Friday, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling revealed that Brad has been serving a 16-year sentence for a prior home invasion, during which he caused injury to someone. However, he was paroled the day preceding the assault.
During the conference, Chicago Police Chef Detective Antoinnette Ursitti mentioned that Smith had been involved in a relationship with Brad over 15 years ago, She also noted that Brand was released on his initial parole in October of the previous year. Ursitti stated that Brad was returned to prison in February due to violating Smith’s order of protection by sending threatening text messages and appearing at her residence.
After being released on parole once more on March 12, he purportedly forcibly entered Smith’s residence the following day as she wad preparing to take her children to school, according to Ursitti. Once inside, Brand is accused of killing Perkins and inflicting multiple stab wounds on his mother.
“An innocent child’s life was taken, as he tried to protect his mother, far too soon,” During the press conference, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx state; “And a mother was attacked in what should have been the safest place for her”
Ursitti mentioned that Perkin’s 5-year-old brother was present in the home during the incident but fortunately was unharmed.
Additionally, Ursitti reported that surveillance footage captured Brand leaving the vicinity with the knife purportedly used in the stabbings.