11-Year-Old Fatally Stabbed While Defending Pregnant Mom Against Her Ex

March 2024: REST IN PEACE An 11-year-old boy was fatally stabbed while defending his pregnant mother against her ex-boyfriend, who was released from prison a day before the attack, police said

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On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 11-year-old Jayden Parkins of Chicago, Illinois, was murdered by his mother’s ex-boyfriend as he attempted to defend her against the man.

Crossoti Brand, 37, had been released from prison the day before he fatally stabbed Jayden. He has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated domestic battery, unlawful use of a weapon, violating a protection order, and three counts of home invasion with a deadly weapon.

On the day of the attack, the 33-year-old woman was preparing to leave her apartment at the Peterson Plaza complex to take Jayden and his brother to school. When she opened the front door, Brand brandished a knife and forced his way inside the apartment.

Brand immediately began stabbing the woman. Jayden tried to step in and help his mother when Brand fatally stabbed him in the chest. His younger brother watched in horror. Thankfully, he was uninjured. Brand fled the scene after stabbing Jayden and his mother.

Jayden’s mother was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. She and her unborn child are expected to survive.

Brand served half of a 16-year sentence in a 2015 home invasion and aggravated domestic battery case involving another victim. Content written by Criminal Matters. He was released in October 2023 on supervised parole

Brand and Jayden’s mother had dated 15 years prior. She had an order of protection in place against him and had signed up with VINE Link to receive notifications about his prison release. When the judge served Brand with the order of protection, he ripped it up in front of the court.

On January 30, 2024, the woman received a threatening text message from Brand. Two days later, he showed up at her home. He rang the doorbell, pulled the handle, and left the house.

In fear for her life, the woman contacted the parole board, leading to Brand’s re-arrest. He was released on parole on March 12, 2024. She also requested an emergency order of protection, although a judge denied the request and set a hearing for the case for March 13, the day her son was killed.

Brand had a history of domestic violence against Jayden’s mother and other women. He had violated an order of protection against her three times in 2008, resulting in a three-year prison sentence. He also had several other felony convictions, including for possession of a stolen motor vehicle and a battery case.

Jayden attended sixth grade at Pierce School of International Studies. Friends, family, and classmates described him as a kind person who uplifted his peers. He always made others laugh and was passionate about dancing and performing in school plays and productions.

At Brand's arraignment, court officials removed several of Jayden's family members due to emotional outbursts. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 3, 2024.

“Jayden was a bright light in his community. We grieve alongside his family and community as we reckon with this unthinkable loss. We pray for Jayden’s mother’s recovery. We will never forget Jayden, who was taken from us much too soon. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement on Saturday morning.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. There is help and hope.

My sincere condolences to Jayden's family and prayers for his mother for a speedy recovery.

Please leave your thoughts about this story below in the comment section. I appreciate your support.

#StopDomesticViolence #LoveShouldntHurt

If you can help Jayden's family: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/jaydenperkinsfund?cart=4facf4aa-e0b5-4559-b935-a53d9a9e4c92%21%2175162115

Sources:

https://www.wdbj7.com/2024/03/18/11-year-old-boy-fatally-stabbed-while-protecting-pregnant-mom-her-ex-boyfriend-police-say/