A Chicago woman has been charged with first-degree murder after authorities say she fatally stabbed a 7-year-old girl who was walking with her older sister in the Chatham neighborhood.
A Chicago community is mourning the heartbreaking death of 7-year-old Edi Mari Hernandez Chacon, who was fatally stabbed Saturday morning in an apparent unprovoked attack on the city’s South Side.
According to Chicago police and prosecutors, Hernandez Chacon was walking with her 16-year-old sister in the 8600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue around 11:55 a.m. after the sisters had left a nearby phone store. Police say a woman the girls did not know approached them and attacked the younger girl with a sharp object, stabbing her multiple times in the back.
Hernandez Chacon was rushed to Comer Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the young victim.
Authorities identified the suspect as 48-year-old Shavon Gayden, who has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the child’s death.
Prosecutors provided additional details about what allegedly happened shortly before the deadly attack. According to prosecutors, Gayden had been inside a nearby business and was allegedly threatening a worker. She then left the business and walked south on Cottage Grove Avenue toward the two sisters.
Prosecutors allege Gayden removed a knife from her bag and ran toward the girls, initially lunging at the older sister. The 16-year-old reportedly moved away, after which Gayden allegedly grabbed the 7-year-old and stabbed her repeatedly.
Bystanders quickly intervened and detained Gayden until police arrived. Gayden was also injured and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The attack has devastated Hernandez Chacon’s family and shocked residents of the Chatham community. Family members and neighbors gathered at the location Sunday for a vigil to honor the little girl.
Candy spelling out Eddimar’s name was placed on the sidewalk as loved ones remembered her. Family friend Tiger Thompson said Hernandez Chacon’s older sister returned to the scene as part of an effort to find some sense of closure following the unimaginable tragedy.
Eighth Ward Ald. Michelle Harris also expressed her grief, particularly for the girl’s teenage sister, who witnessed the attack.
“My community is horrified,” Harris said, describing the killing as a heinous act and offering condolences and support to the family.
Authorities have not announced a motive for the attack. Gayden’s previous arrest history includes several cases between 2016 and 2024, with listed charges including domestic battery, aggravated battery and aggravated assault.
Gayden was scheduled for a detention hearing Monday. The investigation remains ongoing.
As the Hernandez family grieves the loss of a 7-year-old child whose life was tragically cut short, the Chatham community is coming together to offer support and demand accountability.
Y’all Know What extends heartfelt condolences to Edi Mari Hernandez Chacon’s family, especially her parents and older sister, and everyone who loved this precious little girl. May they find strength, comfort and peace during this unimaginable time.
