Illinois Official Steps Down After Outcry Over Jayden Perkins’ Death
On March 12th, Crosetti Brand was released from prison on parole despite allegedly stabbing his pregnant ex-girlfriend Laterria Smith and killing her young son Jayden Perkins just days prior. Brand had a long history of domestic violence but was still granted parole by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board.
When news broke of Jayden Perkins’ murder shortly after his mother had warned officials of the danger Brand posed, there was a massive public outcry. Governor JB Pritzker announced that LeAnn Miller, a member of the Prisoner Review Board who was closely involved in the decision to release Brand, had resigned. “It is clear that evidence in this case was not given the careful consideration that victims of domestic violence deserve,” said Pritzker.
Advocates say Jayden Perkins’ death highlighted flaws in how Illinois handles domestic violence cases. The judge had denied an emergency protection order for Laterria Smith against Brand while he was incarcerated, saying there was no emergency. Smith had also notified parole officials of Brand contacting her before the murder but officials claimed there was not enough evidence to revoke his parole.
A Hashtag Memorializes Jayden
Pritzker has ordered a review of procedures when victims report concerns to the Prisoner Review Board and Department of Corrections. “As the administration continues to review the facts in this case, it may pursue any broader statutory or policy changes needed to strengthen PRB’s review of similar cases moving forward,” he said. Jayden Perkins’ tragic death could be the catalyst for reform to better protect domestic violence victims in Illinois.
On social media, many have been posting with the hashtag #JusticeForJayden to draw attention to Jayden Perkins’ case and push for changes. His mother Laterria Smith has thanked supporters for helping “keep my baby’s name alive.” While nothing can undo the injustice of Jayden Perkins’ death, advocates hope lessons are learned and protocols improved to prevent other domestic violence victims from suffering a similar fate.
