Chicago, Illinois — A member of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board has resigned after approving the release of a known domestic abuser who went on to fatally attack an 11-year-old boy and his pregnant mother in Edgewater.
LeAnn Miller conducted the hearing for Crosetti Brand, the parolee accused of the heinous crimes. Brand, 37, was released from the Stateville Correctional Center with electronic monitoring on March 12, after serving about seven years. The following day, he broke into Laterria Smith’s home and committed the brutal attack.
Prosecutors say Brand fatally stabbed Jayden Perkins and critically wounded Smith and her unborn child. Brand had a history of threatening Smith via text messages and violating a lifetime order of protection against him. He was sent back to prison in February for a parole violation.
In 2015, court records show that Brand attacked Smith just days after she ended their dating relationship. Governor Pritzker expressed his commitment to enhancing safeguards and training to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. Pritzker also mentioned plans for a review of current rules and procedures related to cases involving domestic violence.
Following the resignation of the board member who approved Brand’s release, the Governor intends to appoint a new member after a thorough search. The tragic incident has sparked conversations about the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of victims of domestic violence within the parole system.
As investigations continue and efforts are made to prevent similar incidents, the community mourns the loss of young Jayden Perkins and supports the recovery of Laterria Smith. The implications of this case are far-reaching and have underscored the necessity for comprehensive measures to protect vulnerable individuals in society.