Chicago Prosecutors Say Kelly Day’s 13-Stab Attack Left a Blade Tip in Larry Young’s Skull

A Fatal Encounter on Chicago’s South Side

Kelly Day, 32, faces a first-degree murder charge after Larry Young, 50, was fatally stabbed near a gas station in the 1400 block of East 87th Street. Day, who was assigned male at birth and identifies as a woman, allegedly followed Young across the street after a confrontation. Police said Day’s wife and 7-year-old stepson witnessed the attack. The violence was severe enough that the tip of the knife blade broke off inside Young’s skull, according to authorities.

Prosecutors Describe the Dispute

Assistant State Attorney Sara Grgurovic told the court that the conflict may have been fueled by an earlier incident at a McDonald’s. Prosecutors said another group had mocked Day for using the women’s bathroom. Later, prosecutors said, Young, who did not know Day, approached Day, her wife and her stepson while walking along 87th Street. Authorities said Young made comments about Day’s appearance and gender. Day became extremely angry and argued with him, while her wife tried to pull her away. Young then pushed Day and walked toward a nearby gas station. Prosecutors said Day followed him across the street, where the pair fought for several moments. Day told her wife that she did not want “bullies” to get away with making fun of her gender.

Surveillance Video and the Murder Charge

According to prosecutors, surveillance video from the gas station showed Day holding a knife while standing over Young as he lay on the ground. Prosecutors said the video captured Day stabbing Young 13 times in the head, neck and upper shoulders. The broader account described the attack as involving more than 13 stabs, while the courtroom account specifically referred to the 13 strikes shown on video. Day claimed the confrontation happened in self-defense.

During a Saturday hearing at Central Bond Court, Judge John Hock approved a request to keep Day in custody pending trial, partly because of the brutality of the attack that left Young dead. Day remains charged with first-degree murder.