Introduction to the Case

A woman is suing several Illinois agencies for letting her former boyfriend out of prison one day before he allegedly attacked her and her son. Following the release of 37-year-old Crosetti Brand, Laterria Smith says he went to her apartment and attacked her and her 11-year-old son Jayden Perkins. The young boy tried to defend his mother before being fatally stabbed allegedly by Brand, prosecutors said.

Background of the Incident

The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, names the Illinois Prison Review Board, the Chicago Police Department, the Department of Corrections, and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. According to the lawsuit, officials ignored warning signs, such as threatening text messages allegedly sent by Brand after being granted parole. Smith had an active order of protection against Brand, who was facing several charges, including first-degree murder, following his arrest in March of 2024.

Details of the Attack

Officers responded to the home Jayden Perkins shared with Smith on the morning of March 13, 2024 in the 5900 block of North Ravenswood Avenue. Police believe Brand forced his way into the home and began stabbing Perkins’ mother, who was four months pregnant at the time of the attack.

Response and Aftermath

In the aftermath, two Illinois prisoner board members resigned as a result of the murder. Responding to WGN’s request for comment, the Prison Review Board said it would not comment on pending litigation. The incident has raised questions about the parole system and the handling of potentially dangerous individuals.

Previous Coverage and Developments

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man charged with stabbing 11-year-old Jayden Perkins to death pleads not guilty. The case continues to unfold, with the lawsuit aiming to hold accountable the agencies that may have failed in their duties to protect the public and specifically Laterria Smith and her son Jayden Perkins.

Conclusion

The tragic incident involving Jayden Perkins and his mother has led to a lawsuit against several Illinois agencies, highlighting concerns about the effectiveness of the parole system and the protection of victims of domestic violence. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability within the justice system to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

FAQs

• Q: Who is being sued in the lawsuit filed by Laterria Smith?
  • A: The Illinois Prison Review Board, the Chicago Police Department, the Department of Corrections, and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office are named in the lawsuit.
• Q: What was the alleged reason for the attack by Crosetti Brand?
  • A: The lawsuit and prosecutors suggest that Brand attacked Laterria Smith and her son after being released from prison, allegedly due to unresolved issues and despite having sent threatening messages.
• Q: What were the consequences for the Illinois prisoner board members involved?
  • A: Two Illinois prisoner board members resigned as a result of the murder.
• Q: What is the current status of Crosetti Brand?
  • A: Brand was facing several charges, including first-degree murder, following his arrest in March of 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.