CHICAGO (WLS) — The trial of a Chicago man accused of killing an 11-year-old boy in Edgewater continued on Monday.

Crosetti Brand, 39, faces several charges, including first-degree murder.

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Jayden Perkins was stabbed to death, while trying to protect his mother in March of 2024.

His mother Laterria Smith, who was pregnant at the time, was also seriously hurt.

Brand was released on parole the day before the attack.

On Monday, the 39-year-old suspect took on the role of defending himself in court. He requested a speedy trial, which required the state to quickly provide all relevant evidence.

Opening statements began on Monday morning. The trial is expected to last about three weeks.

Laterria Smith filed a wrongful-death lawsuit, claiming that her son’s killing was preventable.

In response to the deaths of Perkins and another woman whose husband was under electronic surveillance during her alleged homicide on the Northwest Side, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has now prioritized domestic violence cases.

Since the lawsuit, two board members have resigned after and Governor JB Pritzker appointed a new executive director.

You can contact the Illinois domestic violence hotline at 1-877-863-6338 click here for more information.