Illinois lawmakers push for reform of Prisoner Review Board after fatal stabbing of 11-year-old boy

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois Republican senators are pushing to reform the state's Prisoner Review Board in response to a fatal stabbing last month.

Jayden Perkins, 11, was fatally stabbed on March 13, just one day after the alleged killer, Corsetti Brand, was granted parole.

Brand, 37, allegedly killed Perkins and critically wounded the boy's pregnant mother during a home invasion last month at a residence in the 5900 block of North Ravenswood Avenue in Chicago. Perkins' 6-year-old brother witnessed the attack on his family but was unharmed.

Brand has a long criminal record for domestic violence and violating orders of protection.

The mother had a prior relationship with Brand more than 15 years ago, police said. He was serving a 15-year sentence for home invasion and aggravated assault when he was paroled and placed on electronic monitoring this past October.

While Brand was on parole, he threatened the victim through text messages and also showed up at her home despite the victim having a lifetime order of protection against him. Brand was sent back to prison in February for his parole violation. He was released from the Stateville Correctional Center with electronic monitoring on March 12.

Following the incident, two Prison Review Board members resigned. One of those members was LeAnn Miller, who conducted the hearing for Brand.

Illinois Republican lawmakers are now emphasizing the necessity of new reforms to enhance community safety.

"For years, we have called for a serious overhaul of the PRB, and today, we are taking a step forward in that process and introducing reforms that will put victims first, take politics out of the appointment process and hold the Board accountable for decisions," said state Sen. John Curran (R) District 41.

Key reforms include notifying victims when a suspect is released, a mandatory annual training on domestic violence and sexual assault for Prisoner Review Board members, and an increase in penalties for those who violate orders of protection, among other proposed changes.

"My legislation would add critical transparency to these cases," Curran said.

Neighbor Joanne Peoples heard screams and saw the brutal aftermath of the stabbing.

"I hate to talk about it. I barely can sleep at night because when I close my eyes, I just see her in a puddle of blood," Peoples said.

Perkins was a straight "A" student, athlete and phenomenal dancer. A tree outside his family's apartment complex is now wrapped with the words talented, smart, funny, wise, friendly and relatable.

"He was a beautiful soul, always helping us around here. He helped me get my groceries up the stairs," Peoples said.