CHICAGO, IL – A Chicago man has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and aggravated arson in connection with a deadly apartment fire last month that killed four people, including a pregnant woman and her young son, according to authorities.
Lontray Clark, 23, is accused of setting an apartment building on fire in the early hours of June 26 in the city’s Austin neighborhood. Prosecutors allege the attack followed Clark’s discovery that a friend was in a relationship with his former girlfriend, prompting a violent response that left four strangers dead.
Investigators say Clark, upon seeing a photo of his ex-girlfriend and the friend on social media, drove to the friend’s residence with a cousin. Before arriving at the building, the pair allegedly filled an antifreeze bottle with gasoline at a gas station and bought items including black clothing, a face mask, and a lighter.
Authorities allege Clark used the gasoline to create a Molotov cocktail, which he threw at both the front and rear of the apartment building, igniting a blaze that trapped residents inside. Police say Clark’s intended targets—the friend and the ex-girlfriend—managed to escape through a window as the structure was engulfed.
The fire killed Brad Cummings, 76, the editor of a community newspaper; Destiny Henry, 28; her sister Regina Henry, 32; and Regina’s 5-year-old son, Jayceon Henry. None of those who died had any apparent connection to Clark or his dispute, according to prosecutors.
Additionally, several others were injured, including Destiny Henry’s 4-year-old son, Kyle, who was hospitalized in critical condition with burns and head injuries. Fire officials said about 140 firefighters responded to contain the blaze, which erupted shortly before 2 a.m.
Prosecutors disclosed that Clark’s cousin later provided a statement to police, saying Clark admitted to setting the fire. In court proceedings, Clark’s public defender highlighted the absence of surveillance footage linking Clark to the scene.
Officials reported that multiple text messages between Clark and his ex-girlfriend, leading up to the fire, indicated ongoing conflict and Clark’s anger after seeing the social media post.
Alderwoman Emma Mitts, whose ward includes the affected neighborhood, said the victims had little time to escape and lamented the senseless nature of the tragedy. “They never had a chance,” Mitts said, reflecting on the speed and intensity of the fire.
Clark faces multiple felony charges, including attempted first-degree murder and aggravated arson, and remains in custody following his initial court appearance Saturday. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out further charges as they continue to review evidence in the case.