Sheaves Slate, charged in death of Michael Altman, Chicago firefighter killed in Rogers Park fire, is due in court Saturday

In a tragic turn of events, the man accused of igniting a fire on Chicago’s North Side, which resulted in the death of a firefighter, is set to appear in court this Saturday. The incident has gripped the community, leaving many in mourning.

Sheaves Slate, 27, is facing serious charges of murder and arson following the devastating fire in Rogers Park. The blaze erupted on Monday morning on the 1700 block of West North Shore Avenue, causing significant destruction.

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

Tragically, the fire claimed the life of 32-year-old Firefighter Michael Altman. While bravely battling the flames, Altman fell from the building’s first floor as it gave way, sending him into the basement. Despite efforts to save him, Altman succumbed to his injuries the following day, leaving a deep void in the hearts of many.

Authorities apprehended Slate on Wednesday in the 800 block of West Irving Park Road. Investigations reveal that he has a prior record involving drug-related offenses and retail theft, casting a shadow over his character.

As legal proceedings commence, the community rallies around the Altman family, offering unwavering support during this heartbreaking time. A poignant moment unfolded on Friday as members of the public lined the streets, honoring Altman’s sacrifice as his body was transported from the medical examiner’s office to a funeral home in Oak Lawn.

Members of the public lined the streets to pay their respects as Altman’s body was taken from the medical examiner’s office to an Oak Lawn funeral home on Friday.

Altman, a fourth-generation CFD firefighter, was a husband, and a father to a young child. His wife is pregnant with their second child.

Reilly’s Daughter, an Oak Lawn bar, is selling $25 t-shirts, with all of the proceeds going to the Altman family.

And at the United Center on Friday, the Chicago Blackhawks and fans took a moment of silence to honor Altman.

Investigators have not said how they identified the suspect or why he is accused of setting the fire.

Altman’s funeral is set for Friday at Saint Rita of Cascia at 10 a.m. The visitation is scheduled for Thursday, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the same location.

ABC7 will have live coverage of Altman’s funeral on our air and wherever you stream on Friday morning.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like

Accused murderer arrested while trying to board cruise ship in Florida, deputies say

Murder Suspect Arrested Trying to Board Florida Cruise Ship

Pursuit suspect attempts to swim away from authorities A felony warrant suspect…
ICE urges North Carolina to keep illegal immigrant charged in triple-fatal hit-and-run behind bars

ICE Urges NC to Hold Migrant Charged in Triple-Fatal Hit-and-Run

Illegal immigrant truck driver charged in deadly California crash Claudia Cowan reports…
Hallucinations told me to stab my kid — Lindsay Clancy's story is familiar

Lindsay Clancy Case Reveals the Horror of Postpartum Psychosis

Aaisha Alvi was in a doctor’s office when she says she first…
Horrifying Connecticut police bodycam footage shows crazed Robert Jenkins III 'bludgeoning' his dad to death with baseball bat outside their home

CT Bodycam Shows Robert Jenkins III’s Fatal Bat Attack on Dad

A Connecticut man was fatally shot by police after authorities say he…
Joe Rogan reveals former podcast guest Sheldon Johnson allegedly decapitated a man after appearing on 'The Joe Rogan Experience'

Former Joe Rogan Guest Sheldon Johnson Accused of Beheading

Joe Rogan says a man who had recently appeared on his podcast…
Raccoon gives birth inside San Francisco apartment wall, breaks into bedroom

Raccoon Gives Birth in San Francisco Apartment Wall, Then Bursts Into Bedroom

SAN FRANCISCO — For two San Francisco roommates, the nightly mystery began…
Repairs on devastating West Hollywood water main break seen in photos

Photos Show Crews Repairing Devastating West Hollywood Water Main Break

Repair crews are continuing to rebuild damaged roads and sidewalks in West…
Surveillance video shows officers tackle 'anti-American' suspect after Federal Building firebombing

Video Shows Police Tackle Federal Building Firebomb Suspect

Fiery surveillance video shows anti-ICE arson attack at Federal Plaza Federal prosecutors…
Former CIA Director James Woolsey suffered from Havana Syndrome before his death, wife claims 

James Woolsey Had Havana Syndrome Before Death, Former CIA Director’s Wife Claims

Former CIA Director James Woolsey was battling Havana Syndrome in the years…
Israel's new exhibit exposes years of Hamas terrorist planning before Oct 7 massacre

Israel Exhibit Reveals Years of Hamas Planning Before Oct. 7 Attack

The “Return to October” exhibition presents a stark, immersive reconstruction of the…
Tyler Waldal ID'd as 14-year-old teenager riding electric dirt bike killed in crash near Wauconda High School

Tyler Waldal, 14, Killed in E-Dirt Bike Crash Near Wauconda High

WAUCONDA, Ill. () — A Wauconda community is grieving after a 14-year-old…
Travelers unite in powerful moment of silence as fallen US service member returns home

Travelers Fall Silent as Fallen US Service Member Returns Home

A solemn scene of unity and respect played out inside a crowded…