Oct. 6, 2026, 1:51 a.m. ET
A Chicago woman has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of a 7-year-old girl who was attacked while walking on a South Side neighborhood sidewalk, authorities said.
Shavon Gayden, 48, was charged in the death of Edi Mari Hernandez Chacon, who police said was stabbed multiple times in the back on Oct. 3 in the city’s Chatham neighborhood. Family members, friends and community members gathered for a vigil a day later to mourn the girl, whose death sparked outrage and grief across the city.
The Chicago Police Department said the girl was walking southbound in the 8600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue at about 11:55 a.m. local time Oct. 3 when a woman approached her, “displayed a sharp object” and stabbed her multiple times. The child was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Bystanders who witnessed the attack detained the suspect until officers arrived, according to police. The suspect was injured during the confrontation and was later transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries before being taken into police custody.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he was heartbroken by the killing of a child who was “simply walking down the street with her family.”
“No family should ever have to experience the unimaginable pain of losing a child, and no child should ever have to fear for her life simply walking through her neighborhood,” the mayor said in a statement on social media. “My deepest condolences are with this little girl’s family and loved ones, and the entire Chatham community as we grieve this devastating loss. We are praying for them and for everyone impacted by this horrifying tragedy.”
Investigation into stabbing continues as suspect remains hospitalized
Gayden was initially scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 5 but remained hospitalized and did not attend the hearing, local television station ABC7 Chicago reported.
According to the television station, Gayden’s detention hearing on the murder charge is scheduled for Oct. 7, and she is expected back in court the following day on an alleged probation violation. ABC7 Chicago also reported that a judge previously issued an arrest warrant for Gayden after she failed to appear for a court hearing.
USA TODAY reached out to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for comment.
Ald. Michelle Harris, who represents Chicago’s 8th Ward, said during an Oct. 4 vigil for the child that Gayden had allegedly been involved in an altercation with employees at a nearby store before the attack, according to ABC7 Chicago. The child’s family said surveillance video showed the girl, who was also known as Eddimar Paola Hernandez, walking with her older sister before the incident occurred, the television station reported.
In a statement on Oct. 3, Harris called the stabbing a “senseless” act of violence.
“No child should ever have to experience violence or fear while simply walking down the sidewalk,” Harris said. “I also want to recognize and thank the bystanders who quickly intervened—helping to detain the suspect and get assistance on the way. Their quick actions may have prevented further harm.”
Victim’s mother calls for justice as community mourns
The vigil on Oct. 4 drew family members, neighbors and community leaders seeking to honor the child and support her grieving relatives. The girl’s mother, Estefany Hernandez, called for justice following her daughter’s death, according to ABC7 Chicago.
“My daughter’s death should not be left like this,” she told the television station in Spanish. “There must be justice for my little girl. She wasn’t bothering anyone.”
A fundraising campaign created by the girl’s uncle described her as a beautiful and “very special girl” whose death left an “indescribable void” in the lives of those who knew her. The GoFundMe page states that donations would help the family cover funeral, transportation, and other expenses related to her death.
Johnson said the city would continue working with police as the investigation continues and “will do everything we can to support this family and community during this unimaginable time.”
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