Afternoon Briefing: Piping plover Searocket returns to Chicago
Good afternoon, Chicago.
On March 12, 2024, Laterria Smith's phone buzzed with a text that was, according to Cook County prosecutors, like 'something out of a horror movie.' It was an automated message from the Illinois Department of Corrections informing her that the man who had terrorized her since high school would be released from prison shortly after threatening her life, Cook County prosecutors said Monday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building.
One day later, they said, he barged into her Edgewater apartment, stabbed her 11 times and more tragically still, fatally stabbed her 11-year-old son, Jayden Perkins. The prosecutors opened their case today in the trial of the alleged attacker, Crosetti Brand, 39, who is facing felony charges of murder, attempted murder, home invasion and aggravated domestic battery in slaying on March 13 of last year.
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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A beloved Chicago mom celebrated a special day over the weekend with a return to Montrose Beach. Her name is Searocket and she is partner to Imani, the piping plover son of local celebrity pair Monty and Rose. Read more here.
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