Mental Health System Failure

Shavon Gayden, 48, was hospitalized repeatedly for mental health issues but received inadequate care before stabbing Eddimar Hernández Chacón, a 7-year-old boy, in Chicago.

“Shavon Gayden no se coló por las grietas de un sistema funcional”

Public Defender's Statement

Public defender Brett Balmer said Gayden's mental health treatment was insufficient and the stabbing could have been avoided with better care.

“Todo esto se pudo haber evitado”

Stabbing Details

Gayden stabbed Eddimar Hernández Chacón, 7, with a knife on Saturday near Cottage Grove Avenue in Chatham, Chicago.

Prior Violence History

Gayden had a history of random violent attacks, including once attacking a CTA bus driver and once an shelter employee before being charged with murder.

Court Proceedings

Gayden was reprogrammed from Monday to Wednesday court date after being hospitalized again, with a new hearing scheduled for Friday.

Mental Health Evaluation

Public defender Brett Balmer requested a mental health evaluation for Gayden before her Friday court hearing and access to medical records from up to 10 hospitals.

Family Impact

Gayden's mother expressed devastation over the incident, saying if her daughter had received the help she tried to get, the tragedy would not have happened.

Fundraising for Victim

Eddimar's uncle launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised 16,000 dollars by Wednesday morning for funeral expenses and a dignified send-off.

Public Defender's Concern

Public defender Brett Balmer emphasized the need for mental health services in Chicago, stating the problem would not go away without action.