Lontray Clark charged, threw Molotov at Austin, Chicago apartment, killing 4, after ex-girlfriend began dating friend: Prosecutors
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CHICAGO (WLS) — The suspect in a deadly fire in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood is due in court on Saturday.

Chicago police, with help from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives officials, arrested 23-year-old Lontray Clark in Springfield earlier this week. Investigators said he intentionally started the apartment fire that left four people dead on June 26.

A judge Saturday ordered Clark to remain in jail pending his trial, saying he is a danger to the community after prosecutors laid out chilling details about what led up to the deadly attack and the evidence they say links Clark to the crime.

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Clark is facing first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated arson and other felony charges in connection with the fire that erupted on West North and North Laramie avenues, prompting a sizable response.

Investigators said the 23-year-old man became enraged and intentionally set the fatal fire to his friend’s apartment building after learning that he may have started dating his ex-girlfriend. The alleged targets were not killed in the fire.

Last month, family members identified some of the victims to ABC7, including 27-year-old Destiny Henry, 32-year-old Regina Brown Henry, who was 3 months pregnant, 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.

Several people were also injured, including Destiny’s 4-year-old son, who remains in grave condition. Dozens of others were displaced.

Reverend George Smith Jr., who is 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.

He said his family can finally begin their journey for justice now that the man accused of starting the fatal fire that claimed the lives of his loved ones appeared in court Saturday and is now being kept in jail.

Prosecutors said Clark was angry that his friend and ex-girlfriend were dating. He allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail into the Austin neighborhood apartment where they were, sparking the fire that killed four people, including Smith’s pregnant cousin and her young son.

Calling it a horrific crime and a brazen disregard for life, a Cook County judge showed Clark no mercy.

Prosecutors say Clark allegedly set the apartment building fire after learning that his ex-girlfriend was dating his friend after seeing a selfie she had posted.

Authorities said Clark picked up his cousin and the two went to a gas station, where they filled up an antifreeze bottle with gasoline before heading to a convenience store. Investigators said the suspect bought black clothing, a face mask and a lighter before the defendant’s cousin said they drove to the apartment.

The cousin said Clark started the fire and then admitted it to him saying, “I just lit the house on fire,” according to prosecutors. Clark allegedly threw out the clothes at his grandfather’s house.

SEE ALSO | Father speaks out after son killed in NW Side stabbing, fire; ex-wife charged

In court, Clark’s public defender told the judge that there is no surveillance video of her client committing the crime. She added that although he has served time in prison for a weapons violation, he is not violent.

Clark had two outstanding warrants for resisting arrest, records showed.

The court granted an order of protection for the ex-girlfriend of defendant.

Funeral arrangements are still pending for the victims of the fire.

Clark is due back in court on Monday.

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