In a shocking turn of events, a state parole board member has resigned after her recommendation led to the release of a man who later attacked a pregnant woman and fatally stabbed her 11-year-old son in Chicago. The handling of the case by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board has sparked outrage, prompting Governor J.B. Pritzker to order a complete revamp of procedures for dealing with domestic violence cases.

LeAnn Miller, a 63-year-old member of the board from Junction, submitted her resignation on Monday. Miller had prepared a report recommending the release of Crosetti Brand, a 37-year-old felon with a history of violating orders of protection and making threats against Laterria Smith. Tragically, on March 13, Brand went to Smith's apartment armed with a knife and assaulted her. When her son, Jayden Perkins, tried to intervene, Brand fatally stabbed the young boy.

While Smith, 33, remains in critical condition in the hospital, doctors expect both her and her unborn child to survive. Thankfully, her 6-year-old son, who was present during the attack, was unharmed. This devastating incident has highlighted serious flaws in the parole board's decision-making process.

Governor Pritzker expressed his disappointment in the handling of the case and announced that Miller had made the "correct decision in stepping down." Pritzker stated that evidence in the case was not given the careful consideration that victims of domestic violence deserve. He emphasized his commitment to implementing additional safeguards and improved training to prevent future tragedies.

According to board procedure, two other members, Ken Tupy and Krystal Tison, concurred with Miller's recommendation. The board will now undergo a review of procedures for sharing information on cases involving domestic violence, and the Department of Corrections will work with experts and advocates to design and implement expanded training for the 15-member board.

Crosetti Brand, who had a previous relationship with Smith 15 years ago, is now facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, in Cook County. He had been paroled in October after serving half of a 16-year sentence for attacking another ex-partner in 2015. Brand was returned to prison in February for repeatedly violating an order of protection against Smith, which included contacting her and showing up at her apartment.

It remains unclear whether legislative changes will be pursued to enhance officials' legal authority in cases of domestic violence. This tragic incident underscores the need for stronger measures to protect individuals vulnerable to such acts of violence and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.