Jury finds Crosetti Brand guilty in murder trial for Edgewater, Chicago stabbing death of Jayden Perkins: LIVE
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — A jury reached a guilty verdict for Crosetti Brand after deliberations began Thursday.

Brand was convicted of several crimes including aggravated domestic battery, attempted first-degree murder, home invasion, and two counts of first-degree murder.

Post-trial motions will begin June 30.

This is a breaking news report. The following is from a previous report.

Brand is the man who was accused of killing 11-year-old Jayden Perkins and injuring his pregnant mom in Edgewater.

The family of a slain 11-year-old was emotional during closing arguments Thursday.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Brand’s former girlfriend, Laterria Smith, was stabbed 11 times in the incident.

The attack happened in March of last year, just a day after Brand was released on parole.

Now, he’s facing murder and attempted murder charges.

Perkins was stabbed once in the chest and died.

Brand is representing himself in court.

The defense and prosecutors rested Thursday.

Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke was in the gallery watching closing arguments.

A Cook County prosecutor argued before jurors Brand held true to his death threats, and came after Smith hours after he was released from jail.

“Jayden was just 11 years old, courageous and strong. Unfortunately, he was overpowered by an adult man with a knife,” stated Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Stephanie Gersch. “This young boy attempted to protect his mother, but tragically lost his own life instead.”

In the defense closing arguments, Brand told jurors it was Smith who had a knife.

“The defendant was not attempting crime. The defendant was attempting to defend himself,” Brand said. “Defending yourself is not a crime.”

He went on to argue, “This was cold-blooded cruelty. Laterria Smith killed her own son.”

During the closing arguments, Perkins’ mother and relatives left the court at times, overwhelmed with emotion.

Perkins’ grandmother left court early on, and let out a loud scream that could be heard inside the court room.

Brand and Smith had been in an on-and-off relationship since 2006. On a previous occasion, Brand assaulted Smith after she disembarked from a bus, leading to a protective order being issued.

The jury got the case Thursday evening.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'TODAY' host Savannah Guthrie gives statement on missing 84-year-old mother as sheriff says her house is a 'crime scene'

Savannah Guthrie Speaks Out as Sheriff’s Investigation Labels Missing Mother’s Home a ‘Crime Scene

Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old Arizona resident, was last seen on Saturday night…
Erika Kirk urges court to provide 'meaningful' media access in trial of husband's alleged assassin

Erika Kirk Demands Full Media Transparency in High-Profile Assassination Trial

In a court submission on Monday, the widow of slain conservative figure…
Appeals court overturns conviction of UCLA gynecologist over issue at trial

Shocking Turnaround: Appeals Court Reverses Conviction of UCLA Gynecologist Due to Trial Missteps

An appeals court in California has overturned the sexual abuse conviction of…
Murder of ex-Eagles player Kevin Johnson possibly connected to 3 other killings, sources say

Ex-Eagles Player Kevin Johnson’s Murder May Be Linked to Trio of Other Cases, Sources Reveal

In a chilling development, the recent murder of ex-Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman…
Pro-ICE billboard pops up in San Francisco, California ahead of Super Bowl 60

Controversial Pro-ICE Billboard Sparks Debate in San Francisco Ahead of Super Bowl 60

A newly installed electronic billboard at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is…
Anti-ICE Minneapolis agitators set up checkpoint to track federal agents

Minneapolis Activists Establish Checkpoint to Monitor Federal Agents: A Bold Stand Against ICE

In Minneapolis, anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protesters have established an impromptu…
Trump reacts to NBC host Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy's mysterious abduction

Trump Responds to the Enigmatic Disappearance of NBC Host Savannah Guthrie’s Mother, Nancy

President Donald Trump committed on Tuesday to reaching out personally to NBC…
Rhode Island activist slams adult-run nonprofit that promoted 'student-led' anti-ICE school walkout

Rhode Island Activist Unveils Controversy: The Truth Behind the ‘Student-Led’ Anti-ICE Walkout

In a powerful display of activism last week, the Providence Student Union…
Employee speaks after coworker shot trying to stop theft in Lakeshore

Colleague Shares Insight After Coworker Is Shot During Attempted Theft Prevention in Lakeshore

A smoke shop employee sustained severe injuries after confronting an alleged thief…
Large CPD presence on Near West Side after deadly Chicago shootings in UIC garage on Wood, in White Castle lot on Roosevelt: CFD

Heavy CPD Response on Near West Side Following Fatal Shootings in UIC Garage and White Castle Parking Lot

CHICAGO (WLS) — A significant police presence was observed Tuesday afternoon on…
12-year-old allegedly alive underwater for minutes before fatal scuba class failure: lawsuit

Lawsuit Claims 12-Year-Old Survived Underwater for Minutes Before Tragic Scuba Class Incident

The heartbroken parents of a young girl from Texas, who tragically lost…
Mayor Brandon Johnson defends order on investigating Border Patrol, ICE agents; Marimar Martinez testifies about Chicago shooting

Mayor Brandon Johnson Stands by Directive to Probe Border Patrol and ICE Agents; Marimar Martinez Provides Testimony in Chicago Shooting Case

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has come forward to defend a recent executive…