An 11-year-old boy in Chicago died while trying to protect his pregnant mother from a knife attack by an ex-partner who was recently released on parole, per People.
The incident unfolded last week after Crosetti Brand, 37, who was in a relationship with the pregnant mother over a decade ago, showed up at the woman's home and forced his way inside while she was getting her children ready for school.
Jayden Perkins, 11, "tried to protect his mother" as Brand attacked them with a knife, according to Cook County Attorney Kim Foxx. Perkins and his mother, who is eight months pregnant, were taken to a hospital, where the boy died. The mother is expected to recover from the attack.
Brand was serving a 16-year sentence for home invasion before he was released on parole in October. The pregnant mother had filed orders of protection against Brand following their relationship, which dates back over 15 years ago. After his release in October, “he threatened the victim via text and showed up at her home," Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursitti said.
Brand was sent back to prison last month for allegedly violating his parole and released again the day before the attack.
“Let me start by saying this is something that should have never happened,” Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said in a statement.
“The boy’s mother was stabbed multiple times and she had an order of protection against this offender,” Snelling added. “Her 5-year-old son was also present and witnessed this attack. We have to imagine what that 5-year-old is going to have to deal with the rest of his life after witnessing something so brutal."
Brand is facing several 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, Ursitti said.
A support fund was started for the family on Cheddar Up.
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