In a heartbreaking incident in Chicago, an 11-year-old boy who attempted to save his pregnant mother from a knife attack has lost his life.
The Chicago Police Department confirmed the death of the boy, Jayden Perkins, who was stabbed while trying to protect his mother from a convicted felon recently released on parole.
Jayden’s mother, 33, was preparing him and his brother, 5, for school at their home on North Ravenswood Avenue. However, their routine was shattered when 37-year-old Crosetti Brand, a recently paroled convict. He forced his way into their home and began attacking the woman with a knife.
According to police reports, as Brand violently swung the knife at the woman, Jayden, a sixth-grader at Peirce School of International Studies, bravely attempted to shield his mother from the vicious attack. Tragically, the young boy was stabbed in the process, while his five-year-old brother watched the horrific scene unfold.
The woman was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Authorities say she and her unborn child are expected to survive their injuries. However, Jayden succumbed to his injuries, leaving his family and the community devastated by the senseless act of violence.
Related stories
Attacker’s threat to Jayden’s mother
Authorities revealed that Brand had threatened Jayden’s mother in October, leading to his return to custody for a parole violation. The two had been in a relationship more than 15 years ago. The woman had an active order of protection against Brand.
The woman had previously requested an Emergency Order of Protection, claiming Brand had threatened to kill her and her family. The day of the attack was when she was scheduled to appear in court to seek the protective order.
Brand now faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and home invasion with a dangerous weapon. He will also be charged with armed robbery, aggravated domestic battery, violation of a protective order, and felon in possession of a weapon.
Jayden Perkins was a talented dancer on scholarship
According to Blockclubchicago, Jayden was a talented dancer studying at the Gus Giordano Dance School on a merit scholarship.
“We decided he’d want us to dance. Jayden was always performing. And that gift radiated to everyone who shared the floor with him,” the school’s director said Amy Giordano said of the boy.
Jayden’s friends and loved ones remember him as a vibrant, joyful boy who loved to dance and perform. He had even landed the lead role as Nemo in his school’s production of “Finding Nemo.”
Lil Purk handed a 20-year jail term
Meanwhile, young rapper Lil Purk might have had a promising career ahead of him, but it seems he will not realize his full potential.
The 16-year-old, real name Jamal Jones, has been found guilty and sentenced to 20 years in prison for a November 2022 double murder.
He was on trial for his role in the shooting of Zyion Charles, 1, and Cameron Jackson, 15. Four others were also injured during the violent incident.