Overview

• Opening statements began Monday in the trial of Crosetti Brand, who is accused of killing 11-year-old Jayden Perkins and injuring his pregnant mother in March 2024.
• A jury of twelve jurors and four alternates was seated, and Brand is representing himself against 17 charges, including first-degree murder and domestic battery.
• Prosecutors plan to present a video interview of Perkins' 5-year-old brother, who reportedly witnessed the attack inside their Edgewater home.
• The case has drawn attention to systemic failures, as Brand was released on parole just one day before the attack despite an active protection order against him.
• Perkins' mother, Laterria Smith, has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit, arguing her son’s death was preventable, while the Cook County State's Attorney's Office has prioritized domestic violence cases in response.