Good afternoon, Chicago.
Charged in the slaying of 11-year-old Jayden Perkins is Crosetti Brand, 39, who is facing felony counts of murder, attempted murder, home invasion and aggravated domestic battery. Brand is representing himself in the trial, which began Friday with jury selection and continued yesterday with opening statements, during which he told the jury he acted in self-defense.
Jayden’s mother, Laterria Smith, testified for hours, telling the jury she was stabbed over and over by Brand, who has a history of abusing her and other women. The case resumed today at the Leighton Criminal Court Building as jurors heard an account of that morning from Lilliam Rodriguez, who lived across a hallway from the family.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
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