Austin, Chicago fire: Services Friday for arson attack victims Brad Cummings, Destiny Henry, Regina Henry, son Jayceon
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — There is a new push to support the families of four victims killed in a fire in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Police say it was set on purpose.

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

The victims included a pregnant woman, her 5-year-old son, another mother and Austin Voice editor Brad Cummings.

Lontray Clark, 23, is charged with murder and arson for the fire that happened in June.

SEE ALSO | Boy, 5, fighting for his life after alleged Austin arson attack kills mom: ‘He is in so much pain’

Clark allegedly became enraged, and intentionally set the fatal fire to his friend’s apartment, after learning he may have started dating his ex-girlfriend.

On Friday morning, 37th Ward Ald. Emma Mitts called on the community for financial help. She says three people who died in the fire were family.

“If you were to lose three members of your family, I don’t know how you can stand,” Mitts said.

“The money will be used in good faith, and will go to those family members that need it, and to make sure that the Austin Voice continues to thrive in this neighborhood,” 8th District Rep. La Shawn Ford said.

A memorial for Cummings got underway at noon at New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation for the three other victims, the Henry family, is happening on Friday afternoon at Johnson Funeral Home.

Their funeral is set for Saturday.

READ MORE | Man threw Molotov at Austin apartment, killing 4, after learning ex was dating friend: Prosecutors

The memorabilia for Cummings was done in journalistic fashion, as the community honored his work as editor of the Austin Voice newspaper, while also trying to keep that legacy alive.

“Your voice will be deeply missed, especially in this troubled times,” sister Mary Beth Lawton said.

It was Cummings’ voice that was delivered to churches, schools and homes every week on the West Side.

“He always said that the West Side was very talented. It didn’t even get opportunity to showcase or shine their talent, other outlets. So we were like a vehicle for those individuals,” said Isaac Jones, with Austin Voice.

Jones was the business partner and friend of Cummings. Together they worked for 40 years delivering the newspaper. It’s something that has now come to a financial halt.

“The immediate debt I’m trying raise is $65,000,” Jones said. “The newspaper isn’t publishing right now, since this terrible tragedy happened.”

Founded in Cummings’ living room, keeping the local newspaper alive is now the mission of the loved ones Cummings leaves behind, as they hope to pass it on to the next generation.

“We hope that someone will be able to take the paper, the Voice, and keep the voice of Brad Cummings alive,” Congressman Danny K. Davis said.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Shooting at an Oklahoma State University residence hall wounds at least 3 people

Unveiling the Truth: How SoCal Edison’s Alleged Blunders Intensified the Eaton Fire Disaster

ALTADENA, Calif. (AP) — Southern California Edison is taking legal action, targeting…
Trump admin preparing 1,500 soldiers for potential Minnesota deployment: report

Trump Administration Gears Up for Possible Minnesota Military Deployment: 1,500 Troops on Standby

The Trump administration is reportedly gearing up to potentially deploy 1,500 troops…
Starmer has spoken to Trump about his 'gangster' threats on Greenland

Starmer Confronts Trump: Unraveling the Greenland ‘Gangster’ Threats Saga

In a phone conversation this afternoon, Sir Keir Starmer conveyed a strong…
NASA's new moon rocket Artemis II moves to the pad ahead of astronaut launch as early as February

NASA’s Artemis II Moon Rocket Advances to Launch Pad for Potential February Astronaut Mission

Located in Cape Canaveral, Florida, NASA’s colossal new moon rocket headed to…
MARK HALPERIN reveals full scope of Trump's global 'disruption' plan

Mark Halperin Unveils Trump’s Ambitious Global Disruption Strategy: An In-Depth Look

President Trump’s latest tariff threats aimed at Europe highlight two critical questions…
John Mayer delivers tearful eulogy for late Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir

Emotional Farewell: John Mayer’s Heartfelt Eulogy Honors Grateful Dead Icon Bob Weir

John Mayer paid a heartfelt tribute to his friend and mentor, Bob…
Green Day honored with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Green Day Set to Kick Off Super Bowl LX with Special Anniversary Tribute to Generations of MVPs

The NFL is celebrating the 60th Super Bowl anniversary with a local…
Stories Matter Foundation's Write Where You Are fellowship offers writers the tools to share their diverse stories

Empowering Diverse Voices: Stories Matter Foundation Launches ‘Write Where You Are’ Fellowship for Aspiring Writers

The Chicago-based nonprofit, Stories Matter Foundation, is thrilled to unveil its first-ever…