Chicago, Illinois – The Edgewater community is in mourning following a tragic incident that claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy. Jayden Perkins was killed in a violent attack that also left his pregnant mother injured.
On Thursday, friends and neighbors gathered outside the apartment complex where the assault occurred to pay their respects to Jayden. They laid flowers near a tree outside the building and released balloons in his memory, highlighting the impact he had on those around him.
Described as kind and helpful by his classmates, Jayden was known for his involvement in school plays. His peers, like classmate Mason Hamm, expressed deep sadness at his passing, noting that things will never be the same without him.
Authorities have a suspect in custody, a man with a history of violence against the victims. The suspect, who had recently been released from prison, allegedly broke into a home in Edgewater and attacked Jayden and his pregnant mother. The mother, who remains in critical condition, suffered multiple stab wounds.
Residents in the area reported hearing screams and cries for help during the attack. When police arrived, they found the mother and Jayden injured, with the young boy eventually succumbing to his chest injury at a nearby hospital.
Neighbors remembered the family fondly, describing Jayden as a great child who often played with their own children. The suspect, a 37-year-old man with a history of domestic violence, was taken into custody after the incident and now faces new charges.
The victim’s fiancé expressed frustration over the suspect’s release from prison, raising concerns about the safety of the community. While the family copes with the loss of Jayden, they also tend to the mother who is hospitalized, still carrying a baby girl.
The tragic event has left the community shaken, as they come to terms with the loss of a young life and show support for the grieving family. The investigation into the incident continues as residents seek justice for Jayden and his mother.