7-Year-Old Girl Stabbed To Death On Street: Chicago Police

CHICAGO — A 7-year-old girl was stabbed to death by an attacker while walking in midday on the South Side of Chicago, according to police.

The child, identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as Edi Mari Hernandez Chacon, was pronounced dead at Comer Children's Hospital, police said.

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The attack occurred shortly before noon Saturday while the girl was walking south in the 8600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue, according to police. A woman approached the child with a sharp object and stabbed her repeatedly in the back, police said.

Bystanders detained the woman, who was hurt in the process and was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to police, who said the woman was brought into law enforcement custody.

"I am deeply saddened by the senseless stabbing of a 7 year old child in our neighborhood," Alderman Michelle Harris said in a social media post. "My heart goes out to her family, friends, and everyone who is affected by this horrific incident. No child should ever have to experience violence or fear while simply walking down the sidewalk.

"I also want to recognize and thank the bystanders who quickly intervened — helping to detain the suspect and get assistance on the way. Their quick actions may have prevented further harm."