Chicago woman charged with murder in fatal stabbing of 7-year-old girl

Shavon Gayden, 48, has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of a 7-year-old girl in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. The victim, identified as Edi Mari Hernandez Chacón, was walking with her older sister when an assailant approached and attacked her with a sharp object.

According to authorities, the child sustained multiple wounds to her back and was transported to Comer Children's Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Witnesses at the scene intervened and detained Gayden until Chicago Police arrived. Gayden sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the confrontation and was treated at a hospital before being taken into custody.

Investigators have not yet established a motive or any prior relationship between the suspect and the victim. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office has formally filed the murder charge. Gayden's initial court appearance was delayed due to her continued hospitalization.