Introduction to the Incident
Murder and arson charges were filed Friday against a 23-year-old man accused of hurling Molotov cocktails into an Austin apartment building last month, resulting in a fire that killed four people, including a pregnant mother and her 5-year-old son.
The Fire and Its Aftermath
The fire, which happened about 2 a.m. June 26, was allegedly sparked by a “domestic violence” argument between Lontray Clark and a “girlfriend or ex-girlfriend,” leading Clark to throw Molotov cocktails into the front and back of an apartment building at 5222 W. North Ave., police and Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) have said.
Jayceon Henry, 5; his mother, Regina Brown Henry, 32, who was three months pregnant; and her sister, Destiny Brown Henry, 28, were killed in the fire, family said. Brad Cummings, 76, an editor for The Voice Newspapers also died.
At least three others were injured, including a 4-year-old boy, and at least 28 people were left without a home.
A crane slowly breaks through the roof to safely gain access to the upper floors of 5222 W. North Ave. after a fire on June 26. Four people died, at least three others were injured, and at least 28 people were left without a home.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times file
Arrest and Charges
Clark, of Humboldt Park, was arrested Wednesday in downstate Springfield, police said.
He faces four felony counts each of first-degree murder, murder with the strong probability of death or injury, and murder by other forcible felony. He is also charged with two counts each of aggravated arson when knowing people are present and causing bodily harm, two counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of residential arson.
Clark is scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing Saturday.
Response from the Community
The fire had left residents trapped inside the three-story building, forcing them to jump from windows.
“I heard loud booms and saw people jumping out of the window. It was horrible,” a woman, who lives nearby and asked not to be named, previously told the Sun-Times.
Three of the dead were found the day of the fire, and firefighters removed the building’s roof to search for the fourth victim, who was found a day later, officials said.
The three family members killed in the fire were cousins of the Rev. George Smith Jr., of Greater St. John Bible Church.
The Rev. George Smith Jr. lost three relatives in the fatal Austin fire. On Friday he told the Sun-Times: “I’m very happy that they did apprehend someone responsible for this, and justice will be served. It’s a moment that needs to be remembered because he took something away from us that was so precious to us.”
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times file
Impact on the Community
Smith’s 66-year-old aunt was hospitalized from the blaze, but she has since been released, he said.
“Basically, right now, it’s a day-by-day process and we’re focused on my aunt and her well-being,” he said.
Cummings was a longtime editor for The Voice who Mitts said worked tirelessly to better the Austin community.
“Brad was someone who loved to work with folks,” Mitts previously said. “He loved doing things in the community. He was a very hard worker. I don’t know if he got any sleep with all the work that he would do.”
Conclusion
The incident has left a profound impact on the community, with many still trying to come to terms with the loss of life and the destruction caused by the fire. The arrest and charging of Lontray Clark is a step towards justice, but it will take time for the community to heal and recover from this tragedy.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of the fire?
A: The fire was caused by Lontray Clark throwing Molotov cocktails into the front and back of an apartment building.
Q: How many people were killed in the fire?
A: Four people were killed, including a pregnant mother and her 5-year-old son.
Q: How many people were injured?
A: At least three people were injured, including a 4-year-old boy.
Q: How many people were left without a home?
A: At least 28 people were left without a home.
Q: What charges is Lontray Clark facing?
A: Clark is facing four felony counts each of first-degree murder, murder with the strong probability of death or injury, and murder by other forcible felony, as well as other charges related to arson and attempted murder.
