“My daughter’s death should not be left like this,” Estefany Hernandez told ABC7. Shavon Gayden, a 48-year-old woman from Calumet Heights, has been charged with first-degree murder after stabbing 7-year-old Eddimar Paola Hernandez to death on Saturday morning in the Chatham neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, Chicago police reported.
Gayden charged with first-degree murder
Chicago police announced Sunday evening that Shavon Gayden faces one count of felony first-degree murder. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the attack occurred in the 8600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue. Surveillance video shows Hernandez walking with her older sister before Gayden stabbed the girl multiple times in the back, ABC7 reported.
Bystanders intervened during the attack to detain Gayden until officers arrived. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Gayden suffered injuries during the scuffle with these bystanders and was transported to a hospital before being taken into police custody. Hernandez was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Family and community hold vigil for Hernandez
Family and community members held a vigil Sunday near 86th and South Cottage Grove. Attendees released white balloons, lit candles, and scattered candy at the site of the attack, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Pedro Izqueirdo, the girl’s stepfather, told ABC7 in Spanish that Hernandez was happy and had dreams of growing up.
Loved ones cried and embraced one another while circling the candles, according to the Sun-Times. Michelle Clark, a vigil attendee, said the event was “really sad” and noted she had seen Gayden several times at a nearby train station. Hernandez’s family members wore black and white clothing during the gathering.
Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement Sunday expressing heartbreak over the killing of a child who was simply walking down the street with her family. Ald. Michelle Harris of the 8th Ward described the stabbing as senseless and thanked the bystanders whose quick actions may have prevented further harm.
Harris said that the community must unite to support the victim and hold the perpetrator accountable. Mayor Johnson stated the city will work with the Chicago Police Department as the investigation continues to support the community and family.
Gayden’s prior criminal record
Court records reviewed by ABC7 indicate a history of violence for the suspect. In 2023, Gayden was arrested for attacking a CTA bus driver and received a sentence of two years’ probation. The following year, records show she violated that probation by assaulting two shelter workers, resulting in a sentence of court supervision.
ABC7 further reported that Gayden failed to appear in court for a subsequent matter, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant, though it remains unclear if that warrant had been executed prior to Saturday’s attack.
Investigators seek motive as Gayden faces court
Investigators have not yet released an official motive for the murder. However, Ald. Michelle Harris stated during the Sunday vigil that Gayden allegedly engaged in an altercation with staff at a nearby wireless store before attacking the child.
Gayden is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
Chatham stabbing details
- Victim: Eddimar Paola Hernandez, age 7.
- Suspect: Shavon Gayden, age 48, of Calumet Heights.
- Location: 8600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago.
- Charge: One count of felony first-degree murder.
Questions regarding the Chatham attack
Was the attack planned?
Police have not stated if the attack was premeditated. Ald. Michelle Harris mentioned an alleged prior dispute at a wireless store, but officials have not confirmed this as the motive.
Are there other victims?
No other victims were reported. While Hernandez was walking with her older sister at the time of the attack, only the 7-year-old was injured.
How can witnesses provide information?
Ald. Michelle Harris has urged anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department at 773-874-3300.
“No child should ever have to experience violence or fear while simply walking down the sidewalk.”
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