CHICAGO MOTHER CHARGED WITH MURDER AFTER BRUTAL STABBING OF CHILDREN AND DEADLY HOUSE FIRE IN LOGAN SQUARE

CHICAGO, IL — July 5, 2025

A horrifying and deeply disturbing crime has sent shockwaves through the Logan Square neighborhood after a 46-year-old mother was arrested and charged with killing her youngest child, stabbing two others, and setting her home on fire—all allegedly driven by delusions involving evil spirits.

Wendy Tolbert, a mother of three, now faces multiple felony charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated arson, and aggravated battery to a police officer, following a chilling incident early Friday morning that claimed the life of her 4-year-old son and left two other children hospitalized.

DISTURBING CHAIN OF EVENTS

According to the Chicago Police Department, the violence began around 2:45 a.m. inside a two-story home on North Sawyer Avenue, where Tolbert lived with her three children. Authorities say the mother abruptly launched a violent attack, first targeting her youngest son, Jordan Walker, who had been asleep in his bed.

In a disturbing sequence detailed by investigators, Tolbert allegedly kicked the 4-year-old boy down a flight of stairs, then stabbed him more than 30 times. The attack continued as she turned her attention to her 10-year-old son, who had been playing video games in another room. He was stabbed but survived the attack and is currently in stable condition at Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Tolbert’s 13-year-old daughter was able to escape immediate harm by locking herself in a bedroom and calling 911. She remained on the phone with dispatchers as flames began to engulf the home. When first responders arrived minutes later, they encountered smoke, fire, and a scene of unimaginable trauma.

FIRE INTENTIONALLY SET, POLICE SAY

Chicago Fire Department officials confirmed that the blaze was intentionally set using accelerants. The fire spread rapidly through the structure, forcing firefighters and police officers to conduct emergency rescues.

Jordan Walker, the youngest victim, was rushed to the hospital but later pronounced dead due to multiple stab wounds. The 13-year-old daughter, who suffered injuries from smoke inhalation and possible trauma, remains in critical condition. Her 10-year-old brother, though physically stable, is receiving psychological care.

A Chicago police officer responding to the scene also sustained injuries while attempting to rescue the children from the burning building. Several neighbors were treated for smoke exposure as the fire spread briefly to adjoining units.

MOTIVE ROOTED IN PSYCHOSIS

Authorities say Tolbert later told detectives that she believed her children were “possessed by demons” and that her actions were part of a twisted attempt to “free them.” She reportedly made similar claims during booking and has since been placed under suicide watch at the Cook County Jail.

Officials have confirmed that Tolbert has a long history of mental illness, including past psychiatric hospitalizations. She was also recently diagnosed with late-stage cancer, which investigators believe may have exacerbated her psychological decline.

“This is one of the most heartbreaking and senseless tragedies we’ve seen,” said Police Superintendent Larry Snelling during a press briefing Friday afternoon. “A child’s life was stolen in an act of unimaginable violence. Two more children are fighting for their lives, and an entire community is reeling.”

CHARGES AND NEXT STEPS

Tolbert was formally charged Friday afternoon and is being held without bail. She faces the following charges:

• First-Degree Murder
• Two Counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder
• Aggravated Arson
• Aggravated Battery to a Child
• Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer

A court-ordered mental competency evaluation has been requested. Prosecutors indicated that additional charges may follow pending results of forensic evidence and interviews with surviving family members.

COMMUNITY IN MOURNING

As details continue to emerge, neighbors and community members have begun gathering near the burned home to leave flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes in memory of Jordan Walker, described by those who knew him as a “joyful, curious little boy with a big smile.”

“This is a nightmare. I saw him playing on the sidewalk just two days ago,” said one neighbor. “Now he’s gone, and his siblings are in the hospital. It’s hard to even comprehend.”

Counseling services have been made available through the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, and school officials say trauma support teams will be on hand when classes resume in the fall.

Police are asking anyone with additional information about Tolbert’s recent behavior or prior incidents in the home to contact the Chicago Police tip line at (312) 746-6000.

This remains an ongoing investigation.

IN MEMORY OF JORDAN WALKER

A growing memorial now sits outside the scorched remains of the home. Among the candles and teddy bears is a sign that reads:
“Fly high, Jordan. You were loved. We will never forget you.”