DES PLAINES, Ill. () — A man accused by authorities of intentionally igniting a fire at a Des Plaines condominium building has died, officials confirmed.
The destructive blaze broke out around 1 a.m. on May 6 at a condo property in the 1200-block of Harding Avenue in Des Plaines.
Investigators identified the man as 36-year-old Taner Bayramli. According to police, Bayramli died May 21 from injuries connected to the fire.
Police said Bayramli lived on the third floor of the condominium building. While officials have formally described him as a person of interest, investigators said they have gathered video and forensic evidence, including footage that they say shows Bayramli purchasing a gasoline container and fuel at a nearby gas station.
Authorities allege surveillance video shows Bayramli pouring gasoline through a hallway and stairwell inside the building. During the fire, the stairway collapsed, leaving residents trapped as flames spread.
Seven other people, among them four children, were transported to area hospitals after what was reported as an explosion.
The Des Plaines condo building was completely destroyed, forcing most of the families who lived there from their homes.
“We are not closing the investigation,” Des Plaines police Chief David Anderson said. “We are still waiting, as I mentioned, for electronic evidence that we have subpoenaed.”
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Some residents told police the suspect had been acting erratically days before the blaze.
Police say if Bayramli has survived they would forward their findings to the state’s attorney so charges could be filed.
The family of Bayramli says they are filing a lawsuit against the building’s owners.
An attorney representing Bayramli’s family says his client is innocent.
Police say he had recently removed many of his valuables including his passport from the apartment.
