An 11-year-old Boy Killed By His Mom's Ex-boyfriend (photo)

An 11-year-old boy tragically lost his life in a domestic violence attack aimed at his pregnant mother. He was attempting to shield her and his younger brother from her ex-boyfriend, who had recently been released from prison.According to the Chicago Police Department, the perpetrator, Crosetti Brand, 37, was apprehended by members of the Chicago Police Department and the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force on March 13, 2024, at 12:20 p.m. in the 4400 block of S. Cottage Grove Ave.Brand faces multiple charges, including murder, in connection with the fatal stabbing of the 11-year-old and the attempted murder of his mother, who survived the assault but was critically injured and taken to the hospital.The victims were identified as Jayden Perkins and his mother, 33-year-old Laterria Smith, in a fundraiser initiated by the community to provide support to the surviving family during this challenging period.During a press conference, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling revealed that Brand had been serving a 16-year sentence for a previous home invasion, during which he had harmed someone. Shockingly, he had been released on parole the day before this tragic attack occurred.Chicago Police Chief Detective Antoinette Ursitti explained during the conference that Smith had been in a relationship with Brand over 15 years ago, and he had been released on his first parole in October of the previous year.Brand was returned to prison in February after violating Smith's order of protection by sending threatening text messages and appearing at her residence, Ursitti stated. However, he was released on parole again on March 12. The following day, he allegedly forced his way into Smith's home as she was preparing to take her children to school. Once inside, Brand fatally attacked Perkins and stabbed his mother multiple times.