Lontray Clark, a 23-year-old Chicago resident, is facing charges of murder and arson following a deadly fire in an apartment building in the city’s Austin neighborhood on June 26. Authorities allege that Clark set the building ablaze in a fit of rage after discovering that his friend was dating his former girlfriend. The fire tragically claimed the lives of four individuals who were not connected to Clark or his friend, including a pregnant woman and her young son.
According to law enforcement officials, Clark’s first court appearance took place on Saturday, during which prosecutors presented evidence of his alleged motive. They cited text messages in which Clark reportedly expressed anger at his ex-girlfriend for posting a picture on Snapchat with his friend. It is alleged that Clark then went to his friend’s apartment building after seeing the photo.
Chicago’s West Side Alderwoman, Emma Mitts, recounted the horrifying incident, stating that Clark had been arguing with his friend earlier in the day. He then allegedly arrived at the building and threw a Molotov cocktail at the front and back doors, trapping the occupants inside. “They never had a chance,” Mitts said.
The victims of the fire have been identified as Brad Cummings, 76, editor of the Austin-based newspaper The Voice; sisters Destiny Henry, 28, and Regina Henry, 32; and Regina’s 5-year-old son, Jayceon Henry.
Police reports suggest that after seeing the photo of his ex-girlfriend with his friend, Clark and a cousin went to a gas station. There, they filled an antifreeze bottle with gasoline to create a Molotov cocktail. The pair also allegedly bought black clothing, a face mask, and a lighter before driving to the apartment building and launching the incendiary device.
Prosecutors claim that Clark’s cousin later confessed to police that Clark had started the fire and admitted his actions to him. Clark’s public defender, however, pointed out during Saturday’s court appearance that there is no surveillance footage of her client committing the alleged crime.
Fire officials reported that the blaze began around 1:50 a.m. The intended targets, Clark’s ex-girlfriend and friend, managed to escape by climbing out a window. Four people were injured and taken to local hospitals, including Destiny Henry’s 4-year-old son, Kyle, who suffered head trauma and burns to his face and body. An estimated 140 firefighters responded to the scene.
Alderwoman Mitts expressed her sorrow over the tragic incident, stating, “It’s something that could have been avoided. I don’t know what goes through people’s head. They should be locked up and the key thrown away behind all of that.”