Chicago, Illinois – The governor of Illinois has announced the resignation of a member of the state’s prisoner review board following a tragic incident involving a parolee. The parolee, Crosetti Brand, was released on parole and later charged with attacking his former girlfriend, Laterria Smith, and killing her 11-year-old son, Jayden Perkins.
Reports indicate that LeAnn Miller recommended Brand’s release and conducted the hearing that led to his parole. The heartbreaking incident occurred in the family’s Chicago apartment, where Jayden bravely tried to defend his mother during the violent attack.
Law enforcement officials revealed during a news conference that Brand had a history of violating protection orders, making the tragic incident even more devastating. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling expressed regret over the attack, highlighting Brand’s previous violations and criminal history.
The violent attack prompted renewed scrutiny of the parole system, as it was revealed that Brand had been released on parole the day before the tragic incident. This was not Brand’s first time on parole, adding further concerns about the decision-making process leading to his release.
Following the incident, the Prisoner Review Board acknowledged shortcomings in the review process, citing a lack of crucial information regarding the victim’s petition for an Order of Protection. The board expressed regret for not having all the necessary details to make an informed decision in Brand’s case.
In response to the tragedy, Governor JB Pritzker announced the resignation of the review board’s chair, Donald Shelton, signaling a commitment to improving safeguards and training to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The governor emphasized the need for thorough consideration of evidence in cases involving domestic violence to better protect victims and prevent such heartbreaking outcomes.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the community mourns the loss of young Jayden Perkins and stands in solidarity with his family during this difficult time. The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety of individuals involved in cases of domestic violence and the critical role of the criminal justice system in protecting vulnerable populations.