Chicago crime: Lontray Clark charged with murder, arson after 4 killed in West Side apartment fire on North Avenue, police say

CHICAGO (WLS) — A suspect is facing multiple charges after four people were killed in a West Side apartment fire last month.

Lontray Clark faces charges of murder and arson related to a fatal fire he is suspected of starting on June 26 on West North Avenue, according to Chicago police.

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

Four bodies were found in the Austin neighborhood apartment building following the blaze. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, alongside state fire marshals, employed heavy machinery and a search dog at the destroyed site.

Clark was arrested on Wednesday in Springfield, Illinois, police said. His charges include multiple felony counts of murder and aggravated arson.

The victims killed in the fire were a 5-year-old boy, a 27-year-old woman, a 32-year-old woman and a 76-year-old man, officials said.

“We’re grateful, but, sadly, it doesn’t bring back the lives lost due to this needless crime,” expressed Rev. George Smith Jr., who is related to three victims, after hearing about the charges filed.

Last month, family members identified some of the victims to ABC7, including a woman named Destiny Henry along with Regina Henry, 32 and her 5-year-old son, Jayceon.

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

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

The Red Cross said the massive blaze displaced over two dozen people.

Clark is scheduled to appear in court Saturday.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like

Western Springs train crash: 2 Pleasantdale School District 107 elementary students killed, 1 hurt; Metra BNSF service halted

Western Springs train crash kills 2 Pleasantdale District 107 elementary students; 1 injured, Metra BNSF halted

WESTERN SPRINGS, Ill. () — Two people, including elementary school students, were…
What we know about Susan Watford, the mother of 3 killed aboard a cruise ship

Who Was Susan Watford, the Mother of 3 Killed on a Cruise Ship?

Susan Watford’s family said they urged her not to take a cruise…
Courageous Parenting Must Become the Norm

Why Courageous Parenting Must Become the New Norm

By Marissa Streit When California passed legislation barring minors from using certain online…
NYC parents slam construction of men's homeless shelter near Brooklyn middle school

NYC Parents Protest Men’s Shelter Near Brooklyn Middle School

Parents in Brooklyn’s Canarsie neighborhood are demanding answers from New York City…
Man in wizard hat attacks TPUSA group at Texas university event

Man in Wizard Hat Attacks TPUSA Group at Texas University Event

A bizarre video shows a caped, wizard-hat-wearing student wielding a cane, tearing…
Nvidia short-seller warned in May of CEO Jensen Huang's ties to suspected Chinese spy

Nvidia Short Seller Warned of CEO Huang’s Link to Suspected Chinese Spy

New allegations involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and a suspected Chinese intelligence…
North Hollywood crash today: Driver accused of killing 3 women in crash near Los Angeles Metro station arrested on suspicion of DUI

North Hollywood DUI Crash: Driver Arrested After 3 Women Killed Near LA Metro Station

LOS ANGELES — The driver accused of crashing into pedestrians outside the…
Trump issues warning to ‘horrible’ Democrats, claims ‘we won’ Iran war during Veterans Day speech

Trump Claims US Won Iran War, Calls Democrats ‘Horrible’ in Veterans Day Speech

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY — President Trump claimed victory in the war with…
Democratic House lawmaker gets emotional as she blames rush hour traffic for missing Hegseth impeachment vote

Democratic Rep. Gets Emotional, Cites Rush-Hour Traffic for Missing Hegseth Impeachment Vote

Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) appeared close to tears Wednesday as she attributed…
Iran escalates in Hormuz, claims strike on Omani island it says 'enemy' uses for US military ops

Iran Escalates in Hormuz, Claims Strike on Omani Island Used by US

Iran says it carried out a strike on a small Omani island…
Russian Ambassador to US Alexander Darchiev dies suddenly at 66

Russian Ambassador to the US Alexander Darchiev Dies at 66

Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, has died suddenly at…
Idaho ISIS wannabe Alexander Scott Mercurio jailed for 18 years over plot to massacre churchgoers

Idaho Man Alexander Mercurio Jailed 18 Years Over Church Massacre Plot

An Idaho man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison…