Classmates and teachers have nothing but loving words and fond memories of the 11-year-old boy who died protecting his mom and unborn sibling from harm.
With a bright, beautiful smile and spirit, Jayden Perkins was described by friends as: respectful, wise, open-minded, nice, amazing, and an outstanding person. His peers praised his character and his dancing abilities as they cried and mourned after learning that he had been killed by a convicted felon when he tried to protect his mom during the assault.
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Jayden Tried to Protect His Pregnant Mother
On Wednesday, March 13, Jayden's mother, Laterria Smith, was preparing her children for school. 37-year-old Crosetti Brand allegedly showed up and forced his way inside the family's home in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago.
Mr. Brand, with whom Jayden's mother had been in a relationship approximately 15 years prior, was released on parole just one day before the attack, according to Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling during a press conference on Friday, March 15, aired on WGN 9.
Jayden "tried to protect his mother," who was eight months pregnant, according to Cook County Attorney Kim Foxx. Both were rushed to the hospital, but only Jayden's mother and her unborn child survived. They are expected to recover; however, Jayden died as a result of his wounds.
The Assailant Was Released On Parole
Frustrated that the assailant had been released on parole after violating probation multiple times, Chicago Police Superintendent Snelling said, "Let me start by saying this is something that should have never happened." Crosetti Brand was serving a 16-year sentence for home invasion and aggravated assault at the Stateville Correctional Center at the time of his March 12 parole release.
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In addition to Jayden and his pregnant mother, her 5-year-old son was also home at the time. Jayden's little brother, also a student at Peirce Elementary, witnessed the brutal attack-and watched his 33-year-old mother be stabbed multiple times. He will undoubtedly remain traumatized by the events of that morning for years to come.
According to Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursitti, the attacker has a history of domestic abuse and violated orders of protection against him after being released on parole first in October.
Detective Ursitti shared during the press conference that he now faces multiple charges. These include first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, home invasion with a dangerous weapon, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, and more.
Jayden’s Left Behind a Legacy of Kindness
Jayden's friends testified to his love of performing. He had also been cast as the lead in several school plays, including Finding Nemo. One student shared that Jayden "genuinely loved the world and loved anything in it."
Jayden may have only lived 11 years, but his legacy of kindness and love will last well beyond his years. Hopefully, legislators, law enforcement, and the legal system will be able to use the lessons learned from this loss to prevent similar crimes in the future.
A support fund started for the family on Cheddar Up praised the entire family, particularly Jayden's "infectious laughter" and "kind heart."
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"Let a righteous man strike me-that is a kindness; let him rebuke me-that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers." Psalms 141:5
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h/t: People
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