Two Illinois state officials have stepped down over their involvement in granting parole to a Chicago man suspected of killing 11-year-old Jayden Perkins the day after being released from prison. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that chair Donald Shelton and LeAnn Miller resigned from their roles on the Prisoner Review Board, an independent quasi-judicial body that issues release conditions for inmates, USA Today reports. Jayden was stabbed to death trying to protect his pregnant mother this month. Crosetti Brand, 37, was charged for the boy's death. Brand had been released on parole the day prior and had threatened the woman while out on parole previously. "It is clear that evidence in this case was not given the careful consideration that victims of domestic violence deserve," Pritzker said. "I am committed to ensuring additional safeguards and training are in place to prevent tragedies like this from happening again."
Jayden's mother and Brand dated 15 years ago, and she had an order of protection against him. Officials said Brand had violated orders of protection in the past. Brand had been released on parole while serving a 16-year sentence for home invasion and aggravated assault. Police said Brand had also threatened the mother in February when out on parole in October. He was sent back to custody for a parole violation. Pritzker thanked Shelton, who served on the prison board for over 10 years. Pritzker also endorsed Miller's decision to resign. Miller conducted the hearing and prepared a draft order for Brand's release, which was reviewed by two other members. The board still has 11 members. Pritzker is calling on the panel to expand training for domestic violence cases and the Illinois Department of Corrections to review procedures around receiving information on intimate partner violence cases.