Lontray Clark to be arraigned on murder and arson charges for Austin, Chicago blaze that claimed 4 lives at North and Laramie Avenues

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.

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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.

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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.

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