# Mental health system failed woman accused of fatally stabbing 7-year-old girl

> Public defender says mental health system failed Shavon Gayden, who stabbed 7-year-old girl.
- Title: Mental health system failed woman accused of fatally stabbing…
- Summary: Public defender says mental health system failed Shavon Gayden, who stabbed 7-year-old girl. Shavon Gayden, 48, was accused of fatally stabbing 7-year-old…
- Keywords: shavon gayden, eddimar hernandez chacón, mental health, chicago, public defender, psychiatric treatment, stabbing, court hearing, news, local, Mental, health
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/10/07/shavon-gayden-eddimar-hernandez-chacon-murder-chicago-crime
- Published: 2026-10-07T19:55:49.277+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: shavon gayden, eddimar hernandez chacón, mental health, chicago, public defender, psychiatric treatment, stabbing, court hearing, news, local
## Shavon Gayden accused of stabbing
Shavon Gayden, 48, was accused of fatally stabbing 7-year-old Eddimar Hernández-Chacón.

> Shavon Gayden did not slip through the cracks of a functional system
## Gayden's mental health history
Gayden had a history of violent acts including attacking a CTA bus driver and shelter worker.
## Public defender's claim
Assistant Public Defender Brett Balmer said Gayden 'walked right through the open door of a system that does not provide any mental health services'.

> Shavon Gayden walked right through the open door of a system that does not provide any mental health services
## Attack details
Gayden stabbed Eddimar in the 8600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue just before noon Saturday.
## Unprovoked stabbing
Police report described the attack as 'unprovoked'.

> The fatal attack was 'unprovoked'
## Gayden's hospitalization
Gayden remained hospitalized after the attack and her detention hearing was rescheduled.
## Request for psychiatric evaluation
Balmer requested a psychiatric evaluation before Gayden's next hearing.

> It will be an issue on Friday
## Medical records request
Balmer asked for access to medical records from up to 10 hospitals where Gayden sought treatment.
## Family impact
Eddimar's uncle launched GoFundMe campaign raising $16,000 for funeral costs and 'dignified farewell'.

> To our family, Eddimar will always be a very special girl
## Gayden's mother apology
Gayden's mother said she would have prevented the attack if Gayden received proper mental health care.
## Next steps
Gayden will be moved to Cook County Jail but mental health issues require immediate attention.
## Key takeaway

Shavon Gayden, 48, was accused of fatally stabbing 7-year-old Eddimar Hernández-Chacón after repeatedly failing mental health care.