In a heartbreaking finding, the Chicago Police Department confirmed the death of an 11-year-old boy after he was stabbed by a convicted felon who was just released on parole. Authorities say the boy tried to stand in the way of his mother to protect her.
On the morning of March 13, a 33-year-old pregnant woman was getting her 11-year-old and 5-year-old boys ready for school at their home on North Ravenswood Avenue, police said. Jayden, the eldest, was continuing his sixth grade year at Peirce School of International Studies.
However, that day, Jayden never made it to school.
As his mother opened the door to file everyone out into the car, 37-year-old Crosetti Brand forced himself into the doorframe and began attacking the woman with a knife. As Brand swung violently, police say Jayden tried to protect his mother from the slashes only to get attacked himself. His 5-year-old brother stood watching the scene unfold.
Officials say the woman was transported to the hospital in critical condition and that she and her unborn child are expected to survive their injuries. However, Jayden died after succumbing to his injuries. His younger brother, who witnessed the attack, was unharmed, CPD said.
What was the motive? Could this attack have been prevented? The answer isn’t exactly clear, but what police discovered about Brand may serve as an explanation.
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“This is something that should have never happened,” Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling said in a Friday press conference announcing the arrest. Brand had been released from prison on parole the day prior.
Brand had been released on parole the day prior while serving a 16-year sentence for home invasion and aggravated assault. CPD said Brand had also threatened the woman when out on parole in October, which sent him back to custody for parole violation.
Brand and the woman had been in a relationship more than 15 years ago, and she had an order of protection against him. Additionally, CPD said Brand had previously been convicted of violating orders of protection against him.
In her request for an Emergency Order of Protection last month, the woman claimed Brand threatened to stalk her house to kill her and her family, according to a WGN 9 News report. The day of the attack was when the woman was to appear for court to convince the judge consider to grant her request for the protective order.
Jayden enjoyed dance and performing for others - so much so that he landed the lead role as Nemo in the school’s “Finding Nemo” production, his friends told WGN9 News. His friends say he was the one to cheer you up if you were feeling down or crack a joke just a put a smile back on your face.
Brand is now facing new charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, home invasion with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, aggravated domestic battery, violation of a protective order and felon in possession of a weapon.