March 15th, 2024
This morning at 10:30am, the State’s Attorney’s office filed charges in an attack this past Wednesday, which fatally wounded an 11-year-old child and critically injured his mother. The offender, a 37-year old man with a history of domestic violence against both this woman and other women, was charged with first degree murder, attempted murder, and several other felonies.
I am grateful to the 20th District Police Department and Area 3 Detectives for the swift and tireless investigation that led to these charges, and to the State’s Attorney’s office for their continued work in ensuring that justice is served. I hope and trust that this man will be held accountable for the monstrous disdain for human life that was shown through this unfathomable act of violence, and will continue to do whatever I can to support law enforcement in their pursuit of justice.
I also know that no measure of justice or accountability will make up for the loss that this community has endured. A family is shattered. A mother is still in the hospital after enduring an unimaginable trauma. And an irreplaceable life has been taken from our community. Jayden was a beloved son, a dear friend, a talented member of his local dance troupe, and a cherished member of the Peirce Elementary community. His life never should have been taken from us, and especially not in this way.
Any act of violence is an affront to humanity. Domestic violence is especially so, because it is a betrayal of the bonds we owe to each other. It is also deeply traumatizing for anyone who experiences it, whether directly or indirectly. I take this one personally, not only because it happened in my community—just two blocks away from my home where my own children live—but because we should all take these acts personally. It is an attack not only on the victims, but on the entire fabric of our community.
Over the coming weeks, there will be mourning and anguish as we wait for justice to be served, and try to put together what has been broken by this tragedy. I also know, and witnessed firsthand at last night’s vigil, that we will find ways to come together as a community. We will find a way to heal, without forgetting. We will find a way to support this family as they attempt to recover from the unrecoverable. We will do it the only way we can—together, as one community, because we are all we have.
Andre Vasquez, 40th Ward
If you are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence and need support, please call the City of Chicago Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-877-863-6338. For additional mental health support, you can visit the City’s UnSpoken page, or call the National Alliance on Mental Illness Chicago Helpline at 833-626-4244 (833-NAMI-CHI).