Homewood man gets life for fatally stabbing 3-year-old son

A south suburban man has been sentenced to life plus 25 years in prison for the murder of his 3-year-old son and sexually assaulting the child’s mother during what prosecutors called a “grisly” attack on the West Side in 2011.

Gregory D. Sandifer

Gregory D. Sandifer, 27, of Homewood was previously convicted of first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated domestic battery and aggravated unlawful restraint, according to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office.

Judge Clayton Crane handed down the sentence of natural life plus 25 years during a hearing Friday, according to a statement from prosecutors.

“I constantly play the events in my mind wondering what were my son’s final thoughts while being murdered by his father who he thought would love, protect, and cherish him,” Jaivon Sandifer’s mother said during the sentencing hearing.

Sandifer and the boy’s mother were arguing at her apartment on the 5000 block of West Division during the morning hours of Sept. 2, 2011, according to prosecutors. When the woman said she wanted to leave, Sandifer grabbed a kitchen knife and forced her into a bedroom, where he sexually assaulted her at knifepoint.

After the assault, Sandifer stabbed the woman four times and a struggle ensued, according to prosecutors. She was able to wrestle the knife away and throw it out the second-floor window, but then he pushed her out of the window, prosecutors said.

The woman was able to flag down a passing Chicago Police officer, according to prosecutors. However, before authorities arrived, Sandifer found a second knife and stabbed the 3-year-old boy multiple times.

Jaivon was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital and an autopsy determined he died of multiple stab and incise wounds, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

The woman was taken to Stroger Hospital for treatment of stab wounds and injuries suffered from falling out the window and being sexually assaulted.

Sandifer tried to get away, but officers found him hiding in a nearby garage and took him into custody.

“This is an appalling and tragic case stemming from the crime of domestic violence and involving the senseless murder of a defenseless child,” State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez said in the statement.

“We thank the court for this sentence and we remain committed to seeking the most significant penalties afforded under the law in order to bring justice for those victims who can no longer speak for themselves,” Alvarez said.