Suspect's release before Chicago boy was fatally stabbed leads to prison board resignations

Two Illinois state officials have stepped down over their involvement in granting parole to a Chicago man suspected of killing 11-year-old Jayden Perkins the day after bring released from prison.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Monday that chair Donald Shelton and LeAnn Miller resigned from their roles on the Prisoner Review Board, an independent quasi-judicial body that issues release conditions for inmates.

Jayden was stabbed to death trying to protect his pregnant mother earlier this month. Crosetti Brand, 37, was charged for the boy's death. Brand had been released on parole the day prior and had threatened the woman while out on parole previously.

"It is clear that evidence in this case was not given the careful consideration that victims of domestic violence deserve," Pritzker said in a press release. "I am committed to ensuring additional safeguards and training are in place to prevent tragedies like this from happening again."

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Stabbing victim had protective order against suspect Crosetti

The Chicago Police Department said Brand barged into the home of Laterria Smith on the morning of March 13. Jayden died trying to protect Smith, his 33-year-old pregnant mother who was critically injured in the incident. Smith's 5-year-old son was also present, but uninjured.

Smith and Brand dated 15 years ago, and she had an order of protection against him, CPD said while announcing the arrest, days after the incident. Officials also said Brand had violated orders of protection in the past.

Brand had been released on parole the day prior to the stabbings while serving a 16-year sentence for home invasion and aggravated assault. CPD said Brand had also threatened Smith in February when out on parole in October, which sent him back to custody for parole violation.

"This is something that should have never happened," Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling said in a press conference.

2 resign from Illinois Prisoner Review Board following Jayden Perkins death

Shelton served on the PRB for more than 10 years, and Pritzker thanked him for his service in a release announcing the chair's resignation.

The same day, Pritzker endorsed Miller's decision to resign from her post as a member of the board.

Miller conducted the hearing and prepared a draft order for Brand's release, which was reviewed by two other members, the governor's office said.

With these two out, the board will have 11 members left.

Pritzker said he is calling on the PRB to expand training for domestic violence cases and the Illinois Department of Corrections to review procedures around receiving information on intimate partner violence cases.

'Everyone deserves a Jayden in their lifetime'

Jayden's death rattled Chicago's northside community of Edgewater where his family lived.

He was a cherished member of the Peirce Elementary and Gus Giordano Dance School (GUS) communities, according to a fundraiser set up for the family.

"He was known for his love of spending time with friends, playing sports, and performing," the website reads. "His infectious laughter and kind heart touched the lives of everyone he met."

The alderman in Perkins's district said there was a small funeral Monday and Smith was well enough to attend, ABC 7 reported.

GUS encouraged sharing videos and pictures of Jayden to celebrate his life.

"Jayden Perkins brought the brightest light to GUS. His work ethic, determination and constant smile filled every room," GUS said. "We are incredibly blessed to have been apart of his life. Everyone deserves a Jayden in their lifetime."

Contributing: Anthony Robledo

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Illinois prison board members out after Jayden Perkins stabbing death