Seven-year-old Eddimar Paola Hernandez stabbed to death in Chicago; woman charged with murder
Shavon Gayden, 48, faces first-degree murder charges after fatally stabbing a 7-year-old girl on S. Cottage Grove Ave in Chicago's Chatham neighbourhood.
Chicago woman charged with murder after 7-year-old stabbed to death in Chatham
A 48-year-old Chicago woman has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of seven-year-old Eddimar Paola Hernandez on Saturday morning in the city's Chatham neighbourhood, abc7chicago.com reports.
Shavon Gayden is accused of stabbing the girl multiple times in the back near South Cottage Grove Avenue and 86th Street in broad daylight. Surveillance footage showed Hernandez walking with her older sister moments before the attack, according to the family. Bystanders intervened to detain Gayden until police arrived.
Hernandez was taken to Comer Children's Hospital, where she died.
Vigil draws family and community
A vigil was held Sunday near the scene of the attack. Family members returned to the spot where Eddimar was killed the day before, crying out and mourning together.
"She was happy," said Pedro Izqueirdo, Eddimar's stepfather, speaking to abc7chicago.com in Spanish. "She had dreams, to be big."
Her mother, Estefany Hernandez, also speaking in Spanish, called for justice. "My daughter's death should not be left like this," she said. "There must be justice for my little girl. She wasn't bothering anyone."
Alderman Michelle Harris of the 8th Ward, who attended the vigil, said Gayden had allegedly gotten into an altercation with staff at a nearby wireless store before turning on the child. "You send your baby out. It's a beautiful Saturday morning and then they don't come back home," Harris said.
Suspect's criminal record
Court records reviewed by abc7chicago.com reveal a pattern of prior offences. In 2023, Gayden was arrested for attacking a CTA bus driver and sentenced to two years of probation. The following year, records show she violated that probation after assaulting two shelter workers, receiving court supervision in that case.
Records also indicate Gayden subsequently failed to appear in court, prompting a warrant for her arrest. It remains unclear whether that warrant was executed before Saturday's attack.
Gayden was scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Investigators have not yet announced a motive.
Officials respond
Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement Sunday: "I am heartbroken by the killing of a 7-year-old Chicago girl who was simply walking down the street with her family. No family should ever have to experience the unimaginable pain of losing a child, and no child should ever have to fear for her life simply walking through her neighbourhood."
Johnson added that the city would continue working closely with the Chicago Police Department as the investigation moves forward.
Ald. Harris praised the bystanders who intervened at the scene. "Their quick actions may have prevented further harm," her statement read. Harris also directed community members with information to contact the Chicago Police Department at 773-874-3300.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)