By TopTrendReportTv
January 2, 2025
Chicago Woman Charged with Murder After Fatal Stabbing of Ex-Boyfriend’s New Girlfriend
CHICAGO — A Chicago woman accused of fatally stabbing her ex-boyfriend’s girlfriend while on electronic monitoring for a previous attempted stabbing of the same woman now faces murder charges.
Kimari Tousant, 20, is charged with first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing 20-year-old Jessica Flagg to death early Friday outside her home in the 5300 block of West Chicago Avenue.
Background of the Case
The murder comes months after Tousant was charged with a violent home invasion in March, during which prosecutors said she broke into her ex-boyfriend’s house in Evergreen Park, where Flagg was staying. During the incident, Tousant allegedly attempted to stab Flagg but was stopped by the intervention of the boyfriend’s mother and police.
Although Judge Margaret Ogarek initially ordered Tousant to remain in custody, citing her as a public safety threat, Tousant was released on electronic monitoring following a motion by her attorneys. The motion argued that her pregnancy required her release under Illinois law, which limits the detention of pregnant women except in extreme cases.
Home Invasion Details
On March 13, Tousant allegedly climbed through a side window of her ex-boyfriend’s home after calling him repeatedly without a response. Prosecutors said she attacked Flagg in bed, chased her to another room, and tried to stab her with a knife she found in the house. Flagg escaped unharmed by locking herself in a bathroom until police arrived.
Judge Ogarek initially ruled Tousant’s detention necessary but later released her on two ankle monitors, citing state law and arguments about her pregnancy. The judge acknowledged that electronic monitoring posed risks but decided it was required by law given Tousant’s lack of prior criminal convictions.
Murder Charges
On Friday, Tousant allegedly violated her release conditions and confronted Flagg, resulting in a fatal altercation. Prosecutors said police officers arrived to find Tousant fighting with Flagg, who had suffered six stab wounds, including one that pierced her heart. Flagg was pronounced dead at the scene.
A knife was recovered, and Tousant reportedly admitted to the stabbing but claimed self-defense. Prosecutors refuted this, citing evidence from video footage, text messages, and social media posts.
Judge Mary Marubio granted the state’s detention order, noting that Tousant was still wearing both ankle monitors at the time of the murder. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Tousant had no permitted movement at the time of the attack.
Ongoing Concerns About Electronic Monitoring
The case has reignited concerns about Cook County’s electronic monitoring program. Sheriff Tom Dart has criticized the program, arguing that it places dangerous individuals back into the community without adequate safeguards.
“This tragedy highlights the risks of allowing violent offenders to be monitored outside of detention facilities,” Dart said in a recent statement.
Tousant remains in custody as she awaits trial.
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