Jayden Perkins, 11, was murdered on March 13, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois while we was protecting his pregnant mother from her ex-boyfriend Crossetti Brand, 37. Jayden was only in the 6th grade.
Crossetti and Jayden’s mother had recently broke up their relationship.
The mother filed for an emergency order of protection against Crossetti on February 21, 2024. Crossetti allegedly sent the mother several text messages saying he would kill her and her family, and that he would wait outside her house and shoot her.
Jayden and his mother were in their apartment at 7:45 a.m. As his mother opened the front door to take Jayden to school, Crossetti is accused of forcing his way inside and began stabbing her.Jayden was trying to protect his pregnant mother when he was fatally stabbed in the chest, allegedly by Crossetti. Jayden’s younger brother age 5 witnessed the attack, but was uninjured and frightened.The suspect then fled the scene. 911 was called and Jayden’s mother was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Jayden’s mother and her unborn child survived the attack. Jayden was also taken to the hospital, he died during emergency surgery.
Crossetti was arrested on March 15, 2024 charged with first degree murder as well as attempted first degree murder for allegedly stabbing Jayden’s mother. The suspect was also charged with home invasion.
