NEWS FLASH
CHICAGO (CHICAGO URBAN DAILY)— A suspect now stands charged in the killing that shook the Chatham neighborhood and the whole city this weekend.
Shavon Gayden, 48, of Chicago, has been charged with one felony count of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of 7-year-old Edi Mari Hernandez Chacon, Chicago police announced Sunday. The child was walking with her older sister along South Cottage Grove Avenue near 86th Street on Saturday morning when, police say, a woman carrying a sharp object approached the girl from behind and stabbed her multiple times in the back. She was rushed to Comer Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Bystanders are credited with stopping the attack from going further. Witnesses chased the suspect down and held her until officers arrived. Police say Gayden was treated for injuries sustained during the confrontation and taken into custody. Authorities have not released a motive, and it remains unclear whether the suspect and the child knew each other.
Gayden was expected to appear in court Monday, but remained hospitalized and did not appear. Her detention hearing is scheduled for October 7. Ald. Michelle Harris (8th), who represents the area, held a vigil Sunday for the child and praised the bystanders whose quick action she said may have prevented more harm.
A 7-year-old taken on her own block in broad daylight. Chicago, our children have to be safe on the sidewalk. Keep this family in your prayers — and demand this city be better.
Stay tuned to Chicago Urban Daily for updates on this developing story.
Reported by Chicago Urban Daily News. Visit chicagourbandailynews.com for updates.
