In a tragic turn of events in Edgewater, Illinois, an 11-year-old boy, Jayden Perkins, lost his life while trying to shield his pregnant mother from her ex-boyfriend, just released from prison the day before.

The assailant, identified as Crosetti Brand, 37, had served 16 years behind bars for home invasion and aggravated assault. Despite his violent history, Brand was paroled from the Stateville Correctional Center on Tuesday, only to commit a heinous act the very next day.

According to Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, Brand forcibly entered his ex-girlfriend’s residence, initiating a brutal assault on the family. The incident unfolded as the mother was preparing to take her two children to school around 8:00 a.m.

In a courageous attempt to protect his mother, young Jayden intervened, but tragically suffered a fatal stab wound to the chest near the doorway of their home. His five-year-old brother witnessed the horrific attack.

Both the mother and Jayden were rushed to the hospital for treatment following the assault. However, Jayden succumbed to his injuries, while his mother continues to receive medical care.

Crosetti Brand now faces a slew of charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, multiple counts of home invasion with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, aggravated domestic battery, and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, among others.

The Cook County State’s Attorney, Kim Foxx, expressed dismay over the incident, emphasizing the need for a thorough evaluation of the justice system to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

This heartbreaking event sheds light on the imperative of scrutinizing parole protocols and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals in society.