From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Woman Accused of Killing 7-Year-Old Has Violence History
Chicago woman with violent history accused of stabbing 7-year-old girl in Chatham.
In brief
Chicago woman with violent history accused of stabbing 7-year-old girl in Chatham. Shavon Gayden, 48, faces first-degree murder charge after stabbing 7-year-old Eddimar Hernández Chacón in Chatham on Saturday, with police reports indicating the attack was unprovoked and she has prior violent incidents. Originally…
Woman accused of killing 7-year-old
Shavon Gayden, 48, faces a first-degree murder charge for the death of Eddimar Hernández Chacón, a 7-year-old girl.
“Shavon Gayden, de 48 años, enfrenta un cargo de asesinato en primer grado por la muerte de Eddimar Hernández Chacón el sábado.”
Attack in Chatham neighborhood
Eddimar was stabbed four times in the back while walking with her 17-year-old sister near Cottage Grove Avenue.
“Los fiscales dijeron que la niña fue apuñalada cuatro veces en la espalda.”
Unprovoked attack
The police report states the attack was unprovoked, with Gayden having previously threatened a shop vendor.
“El ataque mortal fue "sin provocación", señala el informe.”
Gayden's violent history
Gayden has a history of random violent acts, including threatening a CTA employee in September 2023 and assaulting a shelter worker in early 2025.
“Los registros judiciales muestran que el historial criminal de Gayden incluye otros ataques aparentemente aleatorios.”
Prior incidents
In September 2023, Gayden was accused of threatening a CTA employee with a knife and was later convicted in October 2024.
“En septiembre de 2023, Gayden fue acusada de golpear a una empleada de la CTA y amenazarla con "acuchillarla".”
Recent arrest
Gayden was arrested again for attacking a shelter worker about a month after her release from the CTA case and received a probation term in January 2025.
“Fue arrestada de nuevo por atacar a una trabajadora de un albergue aproximadamente un mes después de su acuerdo de culpabilidad, según los registros judiciales.”
Emergency response
Police arrived at the scene after Eddimar was bleeding heavily, with the ambulance taking 10 minutes to reach her.
“La ambulancia duró unos 10 minutos en llegar, y fue escoltada por la policía hasta el Hospital Infantil Comer.”
Eddimar's death
Eddimar was pronounced dead at 1:01 p.m. on Saturday after being stabbed four times in the back.
“Eddimar fue declarada muerta a la 1:01 p.m. el sábado, informaron las autoridades.”
Gayden's current status
Gayden is hospitalized with a head injury and did not attend her court hearing on Monday, with her detention hearing postponed to Wednesday.
“Gayden fue trasladada al Centro Médico de la Universidad de Chicago. Permanecía hospitalizada con una lesión en la cabeza y no asistió a la audiencia judicial del lunes.”
Family response
Eddimar's family gathered at the attack site on Sunday to remember her, with a GoFundMe campaign raising $16,500 for funeral expenses.
“Una campaña de GoFundMe lanzada por su tío había recaudado unos $16,500 hasta la tarde del miércoles.”
Family statement
Eddimar's family described her as a special child whose death leaves a deep emotional void for all who loved her.
“Para nuestra familia, Eddimar siempre será una niña muy especial. Su partida deja un vacío imposible de explicar y un dolor muy grande en todos los que la amamos.”
What happens next
Gayden's detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, with her violent history raising concerns about her release.
“La audiencia de detención fue pospuesta al miércoles.”
The one thing
Shavon Gayden, 48, faces first-degree murder charge after stabbing 7-year-old Eddimar Hernández Chacón in Chatham on Saturday, with police reports indicating the attack was unprovoked and she has prior violent incidents.
