Seven-Year-Old Girl in Chicago Dies After Stranger Stabs Her Multiple Times in Back; Bystanders Detain Suspect

A seven-year-old girl in Chicago died after a stranger stabbed her multiple times in the back on Saturday, 3 October. Bystanders detained the female suspect at the scene until officers arrived.

The child had been accompanied by her older sister, family members told WGN 9. They described the girls walking together when the attack occurred. Police placed the stabbing on South Cottage Grove Avenue, near 86th Street in the East Chatham neighbourhood, at around 11:55am local time.

Seven-Year-Old Girl Identified as Edi Mari Hernandez Chacon

The Cook County Medical Examiner identified the child as Edi Mari Hernandez Chacon. The police account placed Edi on the sidewalk when the woman approached her and described the weapon as a sharp object. The woman was a stranger to the child, police confirmed.

Edi was transported from the scene to Comer Children's Hospital after the attack. Police confirmed that she was later pronounced dead there.

Witnesses Describe Pursuit After Seven-Year-Old Girl's Stabbing

People near the scene described the moments after the stabbing, when attention turned from the child on the ground to a woman running away. William Smith, a witness who works at a nearby barbershop, recalled hearing someone identify her as the attacker.

'I noticed there was a little girl laying on the ground. There was people standing over her,' he told WGN 9. 'I heard a young lady, or somebody, say, 'That's the lady. She did it. She's running.' '

In videos obtained by NBC Chicago, bystanders could be seen chasing the suspect with what appeared to be jumper cables.

A witness said that one bystander 'whacked' the woman with the cables until she fell, after which he and others 'started dropping the hammers' on her.

'It's terrible,' witness Stephanie Johnigan told NBC Chicago. 'Our babies are losing their lives younger and younger for senseless violence every day.'

Nearby resident Denesta Freeman also expressed disbelief at the child's death in comments attributed to ABC 7 Chicago.

'I just don't know what this world is coming to,' Freeman stated. 'For a seven-year-old like that to be getting stabbed, I never thought it would come to this point. I never did. These kids nowadays are not getting to live their life.'

Bystanders Thanked Following Seven-Year-Old Girl's Death

Hours after the child's death, Alderman Michelle A. Harris addressed the killing in a Facebook statement. Her response included condolences for those affected and recognition of the bystanders who intervened.

'I am deeply saddened by the senseless stabbing of a 7 year old child in our neighborhood,' she wrote. 'My heart goes out to her family, friends, and everyone who is affected by this horrific incident. No child should ever have to experience violence or fear while simply walking down the sidewalk.'

'I also want to recognize and thank the bystanders who quickly intervened — helping to detain the suspect and get assistance on the way,' Harris added. 'Their quick actions may have prevented further harm.'

Police confirmed that the suspect was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening and was in police custody. The initial coverage provided no motive and did not clarify if charges were filed; additionally, the woman's identity remained unreleased at that time.