Woman charged with stabbing her three young children and starting fire

CHICAGO, IL – In a shocking case that has left a community reeling, Wendy Tolbert, 45, appeared in court for the first time after being accused of a brutal attack on her children, resulting in the death of her four-year-old son, Jordan Wallace. The incident, which unfolded on July 4, also involved a fire that endangered the lives of her other two children and spread to a neighboring building.

Tolbert, visibly distraught in court, faces charges of stabbing her son 36 times. A family friend expressed disbelief over the revelations, describing the situation as “devastating” and “heartbreaking.”

According to prosecutors, the attack began while Tolbert’s ten-year-old son played video games, his younger brother beside him. Tolbert allegedly emerged from the kitchen with a knife, attacking the ten-year-old before turning on the four-year-old as he attempted to flee.

The harrowing scene continued as Tolbert pursued her children, ultimately stabbing her 13-year-old daughter multiple times. Police arrived to find Tolbert clutching a knife and a burning paper towel, while officers rescued the children from the flames. One officer was treated for smoke inhalation.

Authorities reported Tolbert claimed her actions were driven by a belief that her children were possessed. The resulting fire injured two neighbors and caused significant damage.

Tolbert’s public defender highlighted her lack of a criminal record, mental health struggles, and a cancer diagnosis. Despite these factors, the judge described her actions as “pure evil,” citing the threat she poses to her family and the community.

The Department of Children and Family Services confirmed the family had no prior interaction with their agency. They are now collaborating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.