Shavon Gayden, a woman accused in Chicago of fatally stabbing Eddimar Paola Hernandez in Chatham, is due in court Monday

CHICAGO (WLS) — A woman charged in the stabbing death of a 7-year-old girl is due in court Monday.

At last check, Shavon Gayden was still in the hospital. The 48-year-old man faces one count of first-degree murder.

Police said Gayden approached 7-year-old Eddimar Hernandez on Saturday morning near 86th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue in Chatham and stabbed her multiple times in the back.

Gayden allegedly had an altercation with staff at a nearby radio store before the attack.

Surveillance video shows Eddimar walking hand-in-hand with his older sister and other footage then shows bystanders rushing to help.

Police said they detained the suspect until officers arrived.

Eddimar died at Comer Children’s Hospital. On Sunday, her family returned to the spot where she was attacked, joined by neighbors and community leaders for an emotional vigil.

They remembered a happy young girl who loved to draw, play with her siblings and wait by the window for her parents to come home.

“We just want Chicago to know that when tragedy strikes, it is our duty as a community to come together and hug this family,” said Tyrone Muhammad, a former community and social change advocate.

Speaking to ABC7 in Spanish, Eddimar Hernández’s mother, Estefany Hernández, called for justice.

“My daughter’s death should not remain like this,” said Estefany Hernández. “There must be justice for my little girl. She didn’t bother anyone.”

Police have not released a motive.

Court records on the suspect show previous attacks on a CTA bus driver and two shelter workers, as well as an arrest warrant after Gayden missed court.

In 2023, she was arrested for assaulting a CTA bus driver and sentenced to two years of probation.

The following year, records show she violated her probation for assaulting two shelter employees. She was sentenced to judicial review in this case.

Records show Gayden did not appear in court. An arrest warrant was issued for her, but it is unclear whether it was executed.

Mayor Brandon Johnson released the following statement on Sunday:
“I am heartbroken by the murder of a 7-year-old girl in Chicago 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 their life simply by walking through their neighborhood. My deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of this little girl, and to the entire Chatham community as we mourn this devastating loss. We pray for them and for all those affected by this horrific tragedy. The city will continue to work closely with the Chicago Police Department as this investigation moves forward, and we will do everything we can to support this family and this community during this unimaginable time.

Ald. Michelle Harris of the 8th District released a statement Saturday following the attack:
“I am deeply saddened by the senseless attack on a 7-year-old child in our neighborhood. My thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this horrific incident. No child should ever have to experience violence or fear by simply walking down the sidewalk.

“I also want to recognize and thank the bystanders who quickly intervened, helping to arrest the suspect and get help along the way. Their quick actions could have prevented further damage.

“I urge anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department. Our community must come together to support the victim and hold the perpetrator accountable.”

Harris’ statement also asked people with additional information or concerns to call 773-874-3300.

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