In a harrowing and deeply disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Logan Square neighborhood and beyond, 46-year-old Wendy Tolbert of Chicago is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly stabbing her three children, fatally injuring her 4-year-old son, and setting her home ablaze in what authorities say was an attempt to “free” her children from what she believed were evil spirits.
A Quiet Morning Turned Tragic
The horrific events unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning inside the family’s home in the 2700 block of North Spaulding Avenue. Police say Tolbert launched the brutal attack while her 10-year-old son was playing video games and her youngest, 4-year-old Jordan Walker, was asleep.
Without warning, she allegedly kicked Jordan down a flight of stairs before stabbing him over 30 times. Her two other children—a 13-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son—were also attacked. Amid the chaos, the daughter, bloodied and terrified, managed to hide in a bedroom and called 911 as flames began to spread through the home. The fire, reportedly started by Tolbert shortly after the stabbings, quickly grew, injuring nearby residents and one responding police officer.
Victims Rushed to the Hospital
First responders arrived to a scene of chaos and horror. All three children were transported urgently to nearby hospitals. Tragically, 4-year-old Jordan was pronounced dead shortly after arrival due to the severity of his injuries. The 13-year-old girl remains in critical condition, clinging to life, while the 10-year-old boy miraculously survived his wounds and is now in stable condition, though emotionally and physically traumatized.
A Mother in Crisis
According to police statements and court documents, Tolbert told investigators she believed her children were possessed and that she was trying to “release them” from evil. Her statements suggest she was experiencing a severe psychological break at the time of the incident. Authorities have since confirmed that Tolbert has a documented history of mental illness, though the specifics have not been publicly disclosed. Family members revealed that she had recently been diagnosed with cancer, a development that may have worsened her mental state in recent weeks.
Neighbors reported hearing screams before the fire and described Tolbert as a generally quiet but sometimes erratic woman. “I never imagined something like this,” said one neighbor. “She seemed withdrawn, but we had no idea what was happening behind closed doors.”
Criminal Charges and Legal Proceedings
Tolbert has been formally charged with first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, multiple counts of aggravated battery, and arson. She is currently being held without bond at the Cook County Jail. During her initial court appearance, prosecutors detailed the gruesome nature of the attack, saying Tolbert acted with extreme violence and premeditation. The judge denied bail, citing her danger to the public and the severity of the crimes.
The investigation remains ongoing, with child protective services, arson investigators, and mental health professionals now involved in the case.
Community in Mourning and Shock
The tragedy has left Logan Square reeling. A growing memorial now rests outside the home, with candles, teddy bears, and handwritten messages for the children. “We’re just devastated,” said a local teacher who knew the family. “These were innocent kids who deserved love and safety—not this.”
City officials have urged the public to remember the victims and also to reflect on the broader mental health crisis that continues to claim lives in devastating ways.
Mental Health Crisis in the Spotlight
This case underscores the dire need for improved access to mental health services, particularly for those with children and high-risk diagnoses. Advocates have expressed frustration that more wasn’t done to intervene before the situation escalated. “This didn’t have to happen,” said one local social worker. “When families are struggling—especially with mental illness and terminal diagnoses—they need support systems in place. It’s not just about punishment; it’s about prevention.”
A Family Forever Changed
As the surviving children remain hospitalized, the long road ahead for them is uncertain. Physical healing will be just one part of their recovery—emotional and psychological scars will remain for a lifetime. Community leaders are organizing resources and support for the family, including trauma counseling and financial assistance.
The tragedy of Jordan Walker’s death, coupled with the suffering endured by his siblings, has left a community asking difficult questions about how such horror could unfold within a seemingly normal household.
For now, Chicago mourns a young life lost, prays for two more fighting to survive, and hopes that justice—and healing—can somehow emerge from this nightmare.