When Tashonda Porter learned of the tragic death of seven-year-old Eddimar Hernandez Chacon, her thoughts turned to her own daughters. Porter, 45, heard that Eddimar had been fatally attacked during the day while holding her 17-year-old sister’s hand. She thought of her children, who are 21 and 10. “I think of my daughter walking my baby down the street,” Porter said.
Porter brought a Minnie Mouse headband to the site on the 8600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue as a tribute, imagining Eddimar might have liked it. Four days had passed since the incident, yet people continued to visit the makeshift memorial with Barbie dolls, stuffed toys, flowers, and prayer candles. Skittles, a toy tiara, a cross, and a framed photo of Eddimar sat near a message formed with candy, reading “Eddimar, te amo” — “Eddimar, I love you.”
Neighbors frequently stopped by to leave offerings and expressed disbelief while remembering their own children. They wanted Eddimar’s family to feel the community and city’s support. Many assumed the attack was linked to untreated mental health issues, lamenting the reduction of services in the area. Shavon Gayden, accused of the murder, has a history of unprovoked attacks according to court records, without an official mental health diagnosis reported.
“Imagine how that 17-year-old felt,” Porter reflected on Eddimar’s sister. “She has to carry this trauma forever.”
Robert Rouse prayed for Eddimar’s family and the alleged attacker. He recalled a previous incident of random violence involving Lawrence Reed, who set someone ablaze on a train in 2025. He saw similar concerns arise from both cases:
“People aren’t getting the help needed, and this is the result,” Rouse observed.
Shawndel Brown has reconsidered her family’s routines on their block after the tragedy. Owner of a local party store for 16 years, Brown mentioned her nearby beauty salon run by her son and daughter. Her grandchildren often move between these family businesses. “We have to rethink that now,” she stated. “That could have happened to anyone.”
Brown was in her store when she heard the chaos outside. She described witnesses detaining Gayden near a sandwich shop. Police and emergency services soon arrived. Afterward, she left a gift basket and balloon at the memorial, but returned home upset. “It’s tormenting. It’s tragic,” she shared through tears, urging better mental health and law enforcement presence.
Nearby, Tiger Thompson helped organize funeral arrangements for Eddimar’s family, who emigrated from Venezuela a few years ago. Brown offered to provide a balloon arch for the service. Two Venezuelan men tidied the memorial, relighting candles and arranging toys and flowers.
Thompson, leaning on his truck, was emotionally overcome, mourning the loss of someone who was part of his community and life.
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