Overview

• Crosetti Brand was convicted on charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, home invasion and aggravated domestic battery for the March 13, 2024 attack in his ex-partner’s Edgewater home.
• Jurors deliberated for an hour and 20 minutes after a disorderly, weeks-long trial in which Brand chose to represent himself and frequently clashed with witnesses and court staff.
• Prosecutors presented evidence showing Brand broke into Laterria Smith’s apartment just hours after his parole, armed with a knife and intent to kill the woman who had rejected him.
• Laterria Smith, then four months pregnant, survived being stabbed 15 times while her 11-year-old son Jayden was killed as he tried to protect her.
• The case prompted two resignations from the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and led lawmakers to advance legislation securing victim impact statements and protective orders at parole hearings.