CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – A member of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board recently resigned following a tragic incident involving a parolee. The parolee, Crosetti Brand, was released from Stateville Correctional Center and went on to commit a heinous crime, triggering shock and outrage in the community.
Brand’s release, supervised by LeAnn Miller, resulted in the fatal stabbing of 11-year-old Jayden Perkins and critical injuries to his pregnant mother, Laterria Smith. The incident took place in Edgewater, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood.
Prosecutors revealed that Brand had a history of domestic abuse, having threatened Smith through text messages and violating her lifetime protection order. This led to his return to prison for a parole violation in February. Court records showed that in 2015, Brand had violently attacked Smith shortly after their breakup.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed his deep concern over the handling of the case, emphasizing that victims of domestic violence deserve better protection and consideration. Pritzker pledged to implement stronger safeguards and training to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In response to the incident, Governor Pritzker announced plans for a comprehensive review of the current rules and procedures within the Prisoner Review Board and the Illinois Department of Corrections. This review aims to improve the handling of cases involving domestic violence and enhance the safety of victims.
Pritzker also stated that a new member would be appointed to the Prisoner Review Board after a thorough selection process. The community, meanwhile, mourns the loss of young Jayden Perkins and prays for the recovery of Laterria Smith and her unborn child, hoping that justice will prevail for their family.
As the investigation continues and reforms are put in place, the tragic events in Edgewater serve as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially those vulnerable to domestic violence. The story of Brand’s parole and subsequent actions underscores the need for a more vigilant and compassionate approach to handling parole cases, with a focus on protecting victims and preventing further harm.