A Calumet Heights woman faces first-degree murder charges after the stabbing a 7-year-old girl in Chatham on Saturday.
Shavon Gayden, 48, is accused of stabbing Edi Mari Hernandez Chacon while she was walking with her sister in the 8600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue.
Chicago police announced the charges against Gayden, one count of felony first-degree murder, hours after Edi Mari's loved ones held a vigil Sunday afternoon to honor the young girl's life.
Family, friends and community members gathered in the spot where Edi Mari was killed. The gir's family members, dressed in black and white, released white balloons, lit candles and scattered candy at the spot where Gayden attacked the child Saturday morning. The girl’s loved ones shed tears and embraced each other as they circled around the candles.
Edi Mari’s family declined to speak to a Sun-Times reporter.
“It’s really sad,” said Michelle Clark, who attended the vigil to show support for the family. “I’m a mother, and I can’t imagine the pain they must be going through.”
Bystanders who witnessed the stabbing intervened and detained the woman, police said.
The girl was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Gayden suffered injuries during the scuffle with bystanders, and she was transported to the hospital before being taken into police custody.
Clark said she had seen Gayden several times at a nearby train station and cannot understand what may have led her to attack a young girl.
“We need to protect children,” she said. “They deserve to be safe walking down the street.”
Gayden is expected to appear in court Monday.
“I am deeply saddened by the senseless stabbing of a 7-year-old child in our neighborhood,” Ald. Michelle Harris said in a statement. “My heart goes out to her family, friends, and everyone who is affected by this horrific incident. No child should ever have to experience violence or fear while simply walking down the sidewalk.”
