Trial of Man Accused of Attacking Ex-Girlfriend and Killing Son

Introduction to the Case

The murder trial of Crosetti Brand, a 39-year-old accused of viciously attacking his ex-girlfriend and killing her 11-year-old son, continued with heart-wrenching testimony on Tuesday. Prosecutors say Jayden Perkins died while attempting to protect his then-pregnant mother.

The Nightmarish Video Phone Call

Jurors heard from Kassidy Miles, who was engaged to Laterria Smith at the time of the March 13, 2024 attack. On the witness stand, Miles described the nightmarish video phone call he received at work from his 5-year-old son. "My son called, saying, ‘Come home!’ He told me, ‘Jayden and mommy are dead,’" Miles revealed. "Show me what you’re talking about," Miles told his traumatized son. The boy then panned the cell phone camera towards the lifeless body of older step-brother Jayden Perkins and their unconscious mother, Smith, in the family’s blood-soaked Edgewater apartment.

Aftermath of the Attack

Miles said he rushed to the home turned crime scene in the 5900 block of N. Ravenswood, where Jayden Perkins was pronounced dead. The boy’s mother survived nearly a dozen stab wounds after emergency crews rushed her to a hospital in Evanston.

Cross-Examination

On the stand, Miles withstood direct cross-examination from the accused killer, much like Smith had endured a day earlier. Miles elected to defend himself in his own murder trial. "Were you aware of sexual relations that Laterria was having with other men?" Brand asked Miles, who fought, at times, to keep his composure. "Objection!" prosecutors shouted back. "Sustained," said presiding Cook County Circuit Court Judge Angela Patrone.

Neighbor’s Testimony

Harrowing Account

Lilliam Rodriguez also took the witness stand on Tuesday, describing how she heard her neighbor in distress in the morning of March 13, pushing open the door to Laterria Smith’s North Side apartment. "The first face I saw," Rodriguez testified, "was the little one, five or six years old. He was crying in shock." Rodriguez revealed that she then spotted the unresponsive Jayden Perkins on the floor, as well as his severely wounded mother.

Testimony Continues

Testimony continues Wednesday. The trial is expected to last two to three more weeks.

Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence

For those affected by domestic violence, resources are available:

• The Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at: 1-877-863-6338
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline is: 1-800-799-7233.

Conclusion

The trial of Crosetti Brand is a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence. As the trial continues, it is essential to remember the victims and their families, and to provide support to those affected by such heinous crimes.

FAQs

• What is the current status of the trial?
  The trial is ongoing and expected to last two to three more weeks.
• What resources are available for victims of domestic violence?
  The Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline (1-877-863-6338) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) are available 24/7.
• What is the accused charged with?
  Crosetti Brand is accused of attacking his ex-girlfriend and killing her 11-year-old son, Jayden Perkins.