Lontray Clark to face murder, arson charges in court for Austin, Chicago fire that killed 4 at North and Laramie avenues
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — The suspect in a deadly fire in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood is due in court on Saturday.

Chicago police, aided by officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, apprehended 23-year-old Lontray Clark in Springfield this week. Authorities allege he deliberately set the apartment fire that resulted in four fatalities on June 26.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Clark faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, arson, and additional offenses related to the blaze on West North and North Laramie avenues, which necessitated a substantial emergency response.

Last month, family members shared with ABC7 the identities of some victims, including 27-year-old Destiny Henry, 32-year-old Gina Brown Henry, and her 5-year-old son, Jayceon.

Community members identified the man killed as Brad Cummings. He was the editor of The Austin Voice, founded in 1985.

Reverend George Smith Jr., who was related to three of the victims, said he is struggling to understand how someone could do this.

“We’re grateful, but, however, that still cannot replace the lives that were lost of this senseless crime,” Smith said.

READ MORE | Father speaks out after son killed in NW Side stabbing, fire; ex-wife charged

Six other people were rescued from the building, and some of them were hospitalized.

The American Red Cross says the large fire displaced more than two dozen people.

Clark is set to appear at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on Saturday.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Kohberger's lawyers didn't want him called 'psychopath,' but he searched the term regularly

Kohberger’s Lawyers Opposed the ‘Psychopath’ Label, Yet He Frequently Searched the Term

<!–> Cellebrite on Kohberger’s search for psychopath Heather and Jared Barnhart from…
CA Republican Assembly Leader's Two-State Solution Is a Gimmick We Don’t Need

California Republican Assembly Leader’s Proposal for a Two-State Solution Is an Unnecessary Gimmick

California Republicans require genuine leadership that advocates for every voter, not grandiose…

Winning Numbers Announced for Estimated $1 Billion Powerball Jackpot

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The numbers for an estimated $1 billion…
A walk through a Smithsonian museum reveals American genius and cruelty as Trump presses for change

Exploring a Smithsonian Museum Unveils American Innovation and Brutality Amid Trump’s Push for Change

WASHINGTON (AP) — Strolling through the heart of American heritage at the…
Winning Powerball numbers for August 23, 2025

Powerball Winning Numbers Announced for August 30, 2025

It’s the sixth largest Powerball jackpot in history. Powerball’s jackpot crossed $1…
Attacks on US churches have risen significantly since 2021, report finds

Report Indicates Significant Increase in Attacks on US Churches Since 2021

Attacks targeting churches in the U.S. have increased significantly in recent years,…
7th Annual St. Augustine Parish Car Show in Midlothian, Illinois displays more than 100 classic cars spanning decades

Seventh Annual St. Augustine Parish Car Show in Midlothian, Illinois Showcases Over 100 Classic Cars from Various Eras

MIDLOTHIAN, Ill. (WLS) — It was a drive down memory lane for…
Haunting footage shows suburban Minneapolis home where trans gunman plotted school attack

Eerie Footage Reveals Suburban Minneapolis Home Linked to Trans Gunman’s Planned School Attack

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Chilling new video showcases the two-story residence on a…
Ex-Postal fraud investigator allegedly stole more than $330K from elderly scam victims he was meant to protect

Former Postal Fraud Investigator Accused of Swindling Over $330,000 from Elderly Scam Victims He Was Supposed to Defend

A former U.S. postal investigator responsible for leading the fraud department has…
Pope demands end to the 'pandemic of arms' as he prays for victims of Minnesota school shooting

Pope Calls for End to ‘Weapons Pandemic’ While Praying for Minnesota School Shooting Victims

Pope Leo XIV appealed for the cessation of what he termed the…
East Coast beaches hit with 'fecal contamination' warnings ahead of Labor Day weekend

Warnings Issued for East Coast Beaches Due to ‘Fecal Contamination’ Before Labor Day Weekend

<!–> Labor Day Gas Prices Hit Five-Year Low Unleash Prosperity’s Executive Director,…
Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' premieres at Venice Film Festival

Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ Debuts at Venice Film Festival

“Frankenstein” is up for significant awards at Venice, competing with films like…