Chicago Police Arrest Man Accused Of Starting Austin Blaze That Killed 4 People
Chicago police arrested 23-year-old Lontray Clark for allegedly setting a fire in Austin that claimed four lives on June 26. The victims included Brad Cummings, 76, a founder of the Austin Voice newspaper, along with two sisters, Destiny and Gina Brown Henry, and Gina's 5-year-old son, Jayceon. Clark was apprehended following an investigation by the Chicago Police Department's Area Five Homicide Investigation Support team and the U. S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
He faces three counts of murder, four counts of arson, and other charges, with a detention hearing scheduled. Ald. Emma Mitts mentioned that the fire displaced 27 families, many of whom lacked resources to rebuild their lives. Faith leaders had previously offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The investigation did not disclose how Clark was identified as the suspect.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety and community support in the Austin neighborhood.