Chicago Man Charged with Murder and Arson in Fatal Apartment Fire That Killed Four, Including Pregnant Woman and Child

A 23-year-old Chicago man, Lontray Clark, has been charged with multiple counts of murder and arson after allegedly setting fire to an apartment building in the Austin neighborhood in Chicago on June 26, 2025. The blaze resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a pregnant woman and her 5-year-old son, and left several others injured.

According to prosecutors, Clark became enraged after discovering that his ex-girlfriend was dating his friend. After seeing a photo of the couple on social media, Clark allegedly purchased gasoline and materials to create a Molotov cocktail, which he used to ignite the apartment building located at 5222 W. North Avenue. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Clark buying gasoline and other items prior to the incident.

The fire broke out around 1:50 a.m., trapping residents inside the building. The victims who perished in the fire were identified as Brad Cummings, 76, editor of the Austin-based newspaper The Voice; Regina Henry, 32, who was three months pregnant; her 5-year-old son, Jayceon Henry; and Regina's sister, Destiny Henry, 28. Destiny's 4-year-old son, Kyle, was critically injured and remains hospitalized.

Clark's ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend, who were the apparent targets of the attack, managed to escape the blaze by climbing out of a window. Clark was arrested in Springfield, Illinois, and is being held without bail. He faces multiple charges, including eight counts of murder, four counts of aggravated arson, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of residential arson

Community members and family of the victims have expressed grief and outrage over the incident. Reverend George Smith Jr., a relative of the Henry family, stated, "He took precious lives from us and justice will be served." The fire displaced at least 28 residents and required the response of approximately 140 firefighters.

Clark is scheduled to appear in court on Monday

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