Laterria Smith, the mother of 11-year-old Jayden Perkins, who tragically lost his life while trying to protect her from a violent attack by her just-paroled ex-boyfriend, is speaking out against Illinois politicians. She accuses them of using her son’s name for political gain while simultaneously fighting her civil lawsuit against the state behind closed doors.
In an open letter addressed to Governor JB Pritzker, Smith expresses her frustration with the administration’s public invocation of Jayden’s name to promote changes to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. This comes at a time when state lawyers are actively working to dismiss her negligence suit related to her son’s untimely death.
The heartbreaking incident occurred on March 13, 2024, when Crosetti Brand, Smith’s ex-boyfriend who had been paroled less than 24 hours earlier, fatally stabbed Jayden. Brand, who had a history of domestic violence and had violated orders to stay away from both Smith and another victim, was convicted by a jury in June and is currently awaiting sentencing.
Smith filed a lawsuit in March against the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Prisoner Review Board, holding them accountable for negligence in Brand’s release. Despite the public acknowledgment of reforms in Jayden’s name, Smith notes that the same officials are actively trying to avoid responsibility in the courtroom.
The events leading up to Jayden’s tragic death paint a picture of systemic failures. Smith had repeatedly warned authorities about Brand’s behavior and the imminent danger he posed. Despite her efforts to seek help and protection, her pleas went unanswered, ultimately resulting in the devastating loss of her son.
While Smith appreciates the efforts to implement changes that could prevent similar tragedies in the future, she emphasizes the importance of holding the responsible agencies accountable for their actions. She questions the purpose of these institutions if they fail to protect families like hers and evade accountability when faced with legal action.
In her heartfelt letter to Governor Pritzker, Smith appeals for justice, closure, and the opportunity to begin the healing process. She urges the administration to prioritize settling the case instead of prolonging the legal battle, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment and accountability in the aftermath of the tragedy.
As the public discourse surrounding Jayden’s death continues to evolve, Smith’s message serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of systemic failures and the importance of honoring her son’s memory with tangible actions rather than just symbolic gestures.
