by A tragic and horrifying incident unfolded in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood on Friday when 45-year-old Wendy Tolbert allegedly stabbed her 4-year-old son to death and seriously injured her other two children before setting their home on fire.
During a Sunday court appearance, prosecutors revealed Tolbert believed her children were “possessed by the devil.” The attack, which also led to the hospitalization of neighbors and police officers, has shaken the community and raised questions around mental health and child protection.
Suspect & Charges:
- Wendy Tolbert, 45, charged with:
- First-degree murder
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Aggravated arson
- Aggravated battery
- Remains in custody without bail
- No prior criminal record, but has a history of mental illness and a recent cancer diagnosis
Victims:
- Jordan Wallace, 4, fatally stabbed 36+ times
- 10-year-old son: stabbed in arm; escaped to basement; now released from hospital
- 13-year-old daughter: stabbed multiple times in face, chest, and back while calling 911; remains in critical condition after multiple surgeries
Incident Timeline:
- Attack began Friday morning inside Logan Square home
- 10-year-old was playing video games; 4-year-old was sleeping
- 13-year-old tried to call police but was attacked
- Tolbert also set the home on fire while people were still inside
Emergency Response:
- Arrested by police at 9:34 a.m., reportedly seen holding a burning paper towel
- Fire spread to upstairs neighbors’ unit and a nearby house, collapsing a roof
- Neighbors and officers hospitalized for smoke inhalation
Court Proceedings:
- Psychiatric evaluation ordered
- Judge denied request for electronic monitoring
- Public defender cited mental illness and recent cancer diagnosis
- Next court appearance pending
Community Response:
- GoFundMe campaign has raised over $3,600 for the surviving children and family needs
- The case has sparked public conversations about mental health services, family support, and domestic violence prevention
