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
New Hampshire bishop warns clergy: Prepare for 'new era of martyrdom'

New Hampshire Bishop Advises Clergy to Brace for a ‘New Era of Martyrdom

Above: Faith leaders demand justice on Jan. 10, 2026, following the tragic…
Don Lemon joins anti-ICE protesters as they storm Minnesota church

Don Lemon Takes a Stand: Joins Anti-ICE Protesters in Bold Minnesota Church Demonstration

A group of left-wing protesters disrupted a church service in Minnesota to…
St. John's Ian Jackson thriving in point guard role

Ian Jackson Shines: Transforming St. John’s Game as Dynamic Point Guard

PHILADELPHIA — On a memorable evening, Ian Jackson showcased the skills and…
Exclusive | NYC socialists mustering army of 4,000 anti-ICE activists to bring Minnesota tactics to Big Apple

NYC Socialists Rally 4,000 Activists to Implement Minnesota-Inspired Anti-ICE Strategies in the Big Apple

In New York City, socialist groups are rallying over 4,000 activists to…
Dem running California Governor vows to strip ICE driver's licenses

California Governor Candidate Pledges to Revoke ICE Access to Driver’s Licenses

In a bold move during his campaign for California governor, Democratic Congressman…
Surgeon ex in Ohio dentist murders job hopped across country, dodged lawsuits after divorce

Ohio Dentist Murders: Ex-Surgeon’s Nationwide Job-Hopping and Legal Evasion Uncovered

Over the course of eight years following his divorce, Michael McKee managed…
NASA offering Artemis II 'boarding passes' ahead of space launch

Secure Your Spot: How to Get a NASA Artemis II ‘Boarding Pass’ for the Historic Space Launch

Have you ever dreamed of journeying to the moon and back? Now…
Curt Cignetti's climb to the top of college football with Indiana wasn't out of nowhere

Curt Cignetti’s Ascent with Indiana: A Calculated Rise in College Football

MIAMI — Before Curt Cignetti became a sensation in college football, before…