Introduction to the Incident
The man charged with murder and arson in the death of Chicago Fire Department Capt. David Meyer “placed everyone in the area in danger that night,” a judge said Saturday at a detention hearing in a courtroom packed with Meyer’s fellow firefighters.
Details of the Charges
Charles K. Green, who lives near the fire scene in the 5400 block of West Potomac Avenue in Austin, faces murder and aggravated arson charges, Chicago police said. He was ordered held at a detention hearing Saturday by Judge Antara Nath Rivera.
Judge’s Statement
“What I have before me is a random event,” Rivera said. “It could have spread. … [But] the defendant placed first responders in danger, which led to the demise of Captain Meyer. … [Green] placed everyone in the area in danger that night.”
Attendance at the Hearing
More than half the people in the courtroom were Chicago firefighters and paramedics, along with Meyer’s family members, Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.
Evidence Against Green
Video footage captured Green walking down an alley that connected his residence to where the fire occurred around 3:28 a.m. He was out of camera range for less than a minute, and then reappeared walking away as flickering lights indicative of a fire begin to appear seconds later, prosecutors said. About half an hour later, Chicago firefighters arrived at the scene.
Circumstances of Captain Meyer’s Death
Meyer entered the burning garage when the roof collapsed on him, reigniting the fire, prosecutors said as at least one firefighter’s head fell into his hands in the back of the courtroom. Meyer was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigation and Arrest
When Green was arrested later the same day, police recovered lighters, lighter fluid, burned paper and the clothes Green was seen wearing on camera. Preliminary tests of the clothing came back positive for accelerants. Green initially denied any involvement in the fire, according to prosecutors. The Office of Fire Investigation, assisted by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said the fire was caused by ignition of contents in a trash bin “by human action.”
Prosecution’s Case
Prosecutors did not give a motive. A clerk at a gas station where Green stopped after allegedly sparking the blaze identified Green from the surveillance video, as did Green’s girlfriend. Prosecutors say Green also identified himself in the video.
Defense’s Position
Green’s public defender, Jaclyn McAllister, said the defense had not received any of the videos mentioned by the prosecution.
Green’s Background
An arrest warrant had been issued for Green in connection with a March retail theft. He has five prior felony convictions for robbery, theft and drug possession and eight prior failures to appear, according to prosecutors. He is scheduled to appear in court on the retail theft charge Monday, a day before he is set to appear in court on the arson and murder charges.
Reaction from the Fire Department
After Saturday’s hearing, Patrick Cleary, president of the Chicago Firefighters Union, said Green’s history and the evidence showed why he should be detained. Cleary said he had spoken to Meyer’s family at the hospital, and they were “broken up” about their loss. “We’re a brotherhood and a sisterhood. We support our families,” Cleary said. “They lost a father and a husband. It’s horrendous. … Inherently, the work we do is dangerous.”
Memorial Services for Captain Meyer
A wake will be held for Meyer Monday at Malec & Sons Funeral Home, 6000 N. Milwaukee Ave. A private family visitation is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m., and a public visitation will follow from 3 to 8 p.m., fire officials said. On Tuesday, a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. at St. John Brebeuf Church, 8305 N. Harlem Ave. in Niles.
Conclusion
The death of Captain David Meyer is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by first responders. The evidence against Charles K. Green suggests a deliberate act that put not only Captain Meyer but everyone in the area at risk. As the community comes together to mourn the loss of a hero, it also seeks justice for the senseless act that took his life.
FAQs
- Q: Who is charged in the death of Chicago Fire Captain David Meyer?
A: Charles K. Green is charged with murder and aggravated arson. - Q: What was the cause of the fire that led to Captain Meyer’s death?
A: The fire was caused by the ignition of contents in a trash bin by human action, according to the Office of Fire Investigation. - Q: What is the background of Charles K. Green?
A: Green has five prior felony convictions and eight prior failures to appear, with an arrest warrant issued for a March retail theft. - Q: What are the arrangements for Captain Meyer’s memorial services?
A: A wake will be held on Monday, followed by a memorial service on Tuesday at St. John Brebeuf Church in Niles.
