11-Year-Old Boy Dies Protecting Pregnant Mother from Domestic Violence Attack

In a tragic incident in Chicago, an 11-year-old boy was fatally stabbed while defending his pregnant mother from an ex-partner's attack, sparking widespread grief and calls for justice.

11-year-old Jayden Perkins was killed trying to save his pregnant mother, Laterria Smith, from a knife attack by an ex-partner in their Chicago home.
Crosetti Brand, the alleged attacker and Smith's ex-partner, had been released on parole the day before the attack, despite a history of domestic violence.
Smith, critically injured in the attack, and her unborn child are expected to survive; the family and community mourn the loss of Jayden, remembered as a hero.
The incident has led to charges against Brand, including first-degree murder and attempted murder, and highlighted systemic issues in handling domestic violence cases.
Officials and the community are calling for reforms to better protect victims of domestic violence and prevent future tragedies.