Community Mourns the Tragic Loss of Eddimar Hernandez Chacon

Tashonda Porter was deeply affected when she heard of the tragic incident involving 7-year-old Eddimar Hernandez Chacon. The young girl had been fatally stabbed on a busy commercial strip on the city’s South Side. Porter, a 45-year-old mother, envisioned her own daughters in a similar situation. Eddimar had been attacked in broad daylight while walking hand in hand with her 17-year-old sister.

Porter, whose daughters are 21 and 10 years old, found a painful connection. She brought a black Minnie Mouse headband to the sidewalk memorial, located on the 8600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue. It was something her younger daughter would appreciate, and Porter felt Eddimar might have liked it too.

The memorial attracted many visitors, even four days after the incident. It included Barbie dolls, stuffed animals, flowers, and prayer candles, forming a poignant tribute. Contributions kept coming, including balloons, Skittles, a toy tiara, a cross, and a framed photo of Eddimar. Many visitors expressed their shock and empathy, reflecting on their own children and expressing solidarity with Eddimar’s family.

“Eddimar, te amo” (“Eddimar, I love you”) was spelled out with candy.

A substantial number of those who stopped by believed the incident resulted from untreated mental health issues, highlighting the lack of mental health services in the South Side. Court records show the accused, Shavon Gayden, has a history of random attacks and threats. Prosecutors indicated that Gayden first attempted to attack Eddimar’s sister, who was with her at the time.

Porter expressed concern for the 17-year-old sister, remarking that the trauma would likely impact her for life. Robert Rouse, another visitor, shared his prayers for Eddimar’s family and even the accused. He recalled a similar incident of unprovoked violence from November 2025, highlighting a pervasive issue with mental health support.

For Shawndel Brown, the tragic event prompted a re-evaluation of her family’s daily routine. Brown, 54, owns a party store nearby, and her son and daughter operate a beauty salon next door. She worried about her four grandchildren’s safety, as they often ran between these businesses.

“We have to rethink that now,” she said. “The way that unfolded, it really could have happened to anybody.”

Brown was present at her store when the incident occurred. The chaos that ensued, with screaming and running outside, left her distressed. She made a contribution to the memorial but found it too upsetting to stay, opting to return home.

Besides advocating for increased law enforcement, Brown stressed the need to address the reduction in mental health resources to prevent such tragedies.

Tiger Thompson, 55, was also at the memorial, trying to support Eddimar’s family. He explained that Eddimar’s mother worked for him, and he was aiding in organizing the funeral. As a gesture of support, he coordinated with Brown, who planned to donate a balloon arch for the funeral.

Several other community members contributed to the memorial, including two men from Venezuela who rearranged items, uprighted vases, and re-lit the candles. Thompson stood nearby, visibly moved by the loss.