Continuation of testimony in trial involving Crosetti Brand, accused in Edgewater stabbing that injured mother and led to the death of Jayden Perkins

CHICAGO (WLS) — The trial of a Chicago man accused of killing an 11-year-old boy in Edgewater last year is set to continue on Tuesday.

Jayden Perkins was stabbed to death, while trying to protect his mother in March of 2024.

Crosetti Brand, 39, is facing several charges, including first-degree murder for the murder of the young boy.

Perkins’ mother, Laterria Smith, who was pregnant at the time, was also seriously hurt in the attack.

Brand was released on parole the day before the attack.

The 39-year-old suspect was representing himself on Monday as opening statements began.

Prosecutor Danny Hanichak told the jurors Smith was stabbed 11 times, and her son, Jayden, was stabbed once in the chest.

“As this man was stabbing his mother, this is when he went from being an 11-year-old kid to a hero,” Hanichak said.

“The defendant’s intent was not to commit a crime. The defendant’s intent was to defend himself, which is not a crime,” Brand told jurors.

Smith was the first to take the stand on Monday. She testified about on-and-off abusive relations with Brand since she was 15. She is now 34.

Another day of emotional testimony is expected Tuesday.

The trial is expected to last about three weeks.

Smith filed a wrongful-death lawsuit, claiming that her son’s killing was preventable.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has decided to prioritize domestic violence cases following the tragic deaths of Perkins and a woman who was allegedly killed by her husband while he was on electronic monitoring. These incidents have highlighted the urgency of addressing domestic violence in the area.

You can contact the Illinois domestic violence hotline at 1-877-863-6338 click here for more information.