At just 11-years-old, Jayden Perkins was brave and strong, prosecutors said Thursday, but he was “absolutely no match” for the grown man who rushed at his mother and stabbed her repeatedly.

In a tense courtroom at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, prosecutors began their closing arguments to the jury after a more than three-week trial that involved more than 30 witnesses and some 300 exhibits. Crosetti Brand, 39, is charged with murder, attempted murder, home invasion and aggravated domestic battery, accused of killing Jayden as he tried to protect his pregnant mother, Laterria Smith .

“If I can’t have you no one can,” Assistant State’s Attorney Stephanie Gersch said. “Those are the terrifying words told to Laterria Smith by this defendant as he invaded her home, shoving open her f

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