Chicago, Illinois – A member of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board has resigned following the approval of the release of a known domestic abuser who went on to commit a heinous crime the next day. LeAnn Miller, the member in question, presided over the hearing for Crosetti Brand, the man accused of the murder of 11-year-old Jayden Perkins and the critical injury of his mother, Laterria Smith, in Edgewater.
Brand, 37, was released from the Stateville Correctional Center with electronic monitoring, only to break into Smith’s home and commit the violent acts. Prosecutors revealed that Brand had a history of threatening the victim, Smith, even violating a lifetime order of protection against him. Despite being on parole earlier, Brand displayed violent behavior towards Smith, leading to his re-incarceration for a parole violation in the past.
Governor Pritzker expressed deep concern over the handling of the case, stating that the evidence was not carefully considered, especially given the nature of domestic violence involved. As Smith continues to recover and the family mourns the loss of young Jayden Perkins, Pritzker emphasized the need for increased safeguards and training to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In response to the tragic incident, Pritzker announced a comprehensive review of the current rules and procedures concerning cases of domestic violence within the board and the Illinois Department of Corrections. Furthermore, a new member will be appointed to the Prisoner Review Board following a thorough selection process.
The resignation of LeAnn Miller underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability in decision-making processes related to parole and release hearings. The tragic outcome of Brand’s release serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough consideration and evaluation in cases involving domestic violence to ensure the safety of potential victims.
Moving forward, Governor Pritzker’s commitment to implementing additional safeguards and training reflects a proactive approach to preventing similar tragedies and ensuring that victims of domestic violence receive the necessary care and protection from the justice system. The incident has sparked discussions on the efficiency and effectiveness of parole review boards in considering cases with histories of violence and abuse.