Court Proceedings Scheduled

Shavon Gayden, a 48-year-old woman charged with first-degree murder for the stabbing death of 7-year-old Eddimar Hernandez, is expected to appear in court on Monday. At present, Gayden remains hospitalized following the incident.

Details of the Incident

The tragic attack occurred on Saturday morning in the Chatham neighborhood, specifically near 86th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. According to police reports, Gayden approached Eddimar and stabbed her multiple times in the back.

Prior to this violent act, Gayden reportedly engaged in an altercation with staff members at a nearby wireless store. Witnesses captured footage of Eddimar, who was holding hands with her older sister, before bystanders rushed to assist her following the attack.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that they detained Gayden until police arrival.

Community Reactions

Sadly, Eddimar succumbed to her injuries at Comer Children’s Hospital. On Sunday, her family visited the scene of the incident alongside neighbors and community leaders to hold a vigil. Attendees remembered Eddimar as a joyful child who enjoyed drawing, playing with her siblings, and eagerly waiting for her parents to return home.

“We just want Chicago to know, when tragedy happens, it is our jobs as a community to come together and wrap our arms around this family,” said Tyrone Muhammad from Ex-Cons For Community and Social Change.

Calls for Justice

Eddimar’s mother, Estefany Hernandez, has publicly called for justice, expressing her sorrow to ABC7 in Spanish: My daughter’s death should not be left like this. There must be justice for my little girl. She wasn’t bothering anyone.

At this time, the police have not disclosed a motive for the attack.

Background on the Suspect

Shavon Gayden has a concerning record of prior charges, including an attack on a CTA bus driver and aggression towards two shelter workers, leading to a probation violation. She faced an arrest warrant issued for missing a court appearance, though it is unclear whether it was executed.

In 2023, she received a two-year probation sentence for the bus driver attack, and subsequent violations resulted in court supervision the following year.

Official Responses

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his heartbreak over the incident, stating, I am heartbroken by the killing of a 7-year-old Chicago girl who was simply walking down the street with her family… My deepest condolences are with this little girl’s family and loved ones.

Alderman Michelle Harris of the 8th Ward also shared her grief: I am deeply saddened by the senseless stabbing of a 7 year old child in our neighborhood… No child should ever have to experience violence or fear while simply walking down the sidewalk.

She commended the bystanders for their quick action and urged anyone with further information to contact the Chicago Police Department.