CHICAGO, Illinois – A member of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board has resigned following the release of a known domestic abuser who went on to fatally attack an 11-year-old child and a pregnant woman. LeAnn Miller, who conducted the hearing for Crosetti Brand, approved his release from the Stateville Correctional Center with electronic monitoring just the day before the tragic incident in Edgewater earlier this month.
Brand, 37, had served approximately seven years before being released on March 12 and subsequently breaking into Laterria Smith’s home on North Ravenswood Avenue on March 13. Tragically, he fatally stabbed young Jayden Perkins and critically wounded Smith and her unborn child. This horrific incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the handling of cases involving domestic violence offenders.
In light of this tragedy, Governor Pritzker has expressed his commitment to implementing additional safeguards and training to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. He emphasized the need to ensure that cases involving domestic violence victims receive the careful consideration they deserve. The review of current rules and procedures by the Board and the Department of Corrections highlights the urgency for improved systems to protect vulnerable individuals.
Furthermore, details from court records revealed Brand’s history of violence towards Smith, including an attack just days after she ended their dating relationship in 2015. Despite having a lifetime order of protection against him, Brand continued to threaten and harass Smith, leading to his return to prison for a parole violation in February. The tragic outcome of his release underscores the critical need for enhanced measures to address and prevent domestic violence cases.
As the community mourns the loss of Jayden Perkins and supports Laterria Smith in her recovery, the appointment of a new member to the Prisoner Review Board will be crucial in ensuring that thorough evaluations and considerations are made in future cases. Governor Pritzker’s pledge to conduct a thorough search for a qualified candidate signals a commitment to improving the handling of parole hearings and addressing issues related to domestic violence offenders. The tragic events that unfolded serve as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of all individuals impacted by such acts of violence.