Motive revealed in Austin fire case that killed 4, including child

CHICAGO - New evidence reveals why a Chicago man allegedly started a fire that killed four people — including a 5-year-old boy — in the city's Austin neighborhood last month.

What we know:

According to court documents, Lontray Clark, 23, was angry with his ex-girlfriend and his friend. Clark had found out the two were dating the day prior to the incident.

Clark's intended targets were not killed in the fire.

At approximately 12:28 a.m., Clark and his cousin drove to a gas station where he took an anti-freeze container and filled it with gas. Then the pair drove to a convenience store where they bought a black long-sleeved shirt, a face mask, and a lighter.

At approximately 1:11 a.m., Clark parked the car near the building and left with the anti-freeze bottle. A few minutes later, Clark returned to the car saying, "Lit they house on fire." Then they drove to Clark's grandfather's house. 

Clark is facing 19 felony charges, according to Chicago police. The charges include:

• Four counts of first-degree murder
• Four counts of murder with strong probability of death or injury
• Four counts of murder during the commission of a forcible felony
• Two counts of aggravated arson with knowledge of people present
• Two counts of aggravated arson causing bodily harm
• Two counts of attempted first-degree murder
• One count of residential arson

Clark was arrested Wednesday by the Area Five Homicide Investigation Support Team in the 2200 block of Yale Boulevard in Springfield, Illinois.

Police allege he intentionally set fire to a mixed-use building in the 800 block of North Central Avenue on June 26. The fire killed four people and injured three others.

Clark has been detained.

A family member of three of the victims had offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Police have not said whether anyone claimed the reward.

What we know:

The fire broke out around 2 a.m. in the 5200 block of West North Avenue. When firefighters arrived, flames were shooting from the third floor, and residents were being pulled from windows in a series of frantic rescues, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

Chicago Fire District Chief Robert Jurewicz said six people were rescued from the building, three of whom were taken to hospitals in grave condition. All three later died from their injuries, officials said.

Four victims sustained fatal injuries, including Gina Brown Henry, 32, her son Jayceon Henry, 5, and The Voice Newspapers Editor Brad Cummings, 76.

Destiny Henry, Brown Henry's sister, 28, was reported missing after the fire, but her body was found in the rubble a day later after a K-9 search, marking her the fourth person to die from the blaze, officials said.

Three other people were hospitalized, including a 4-year-old boy who was injured and transported to Stroger Hospital, initially reported in critical condition. Twenty-eight people were displaced.

"The back porches were gone … and there was heavy fire in the front stairwell," Jurewicz said.

The building, which houses businesses on the first floor and apartments above, suffered extensive damage. All other residents were able to evacuate, and some were seen gathered on the sidewalk outside.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said agents and certified fire investigators were called to the scene to help determine whether chemicals or explosives were used to start the fire. 

This incident is being investigated as arson at this time. 

There are no offenders in custody, and the investigation remains ongoing by Arson Detectives.

The Henry family is offering a $5,000 cash reward for the arrest of the suspect responsible.

What they're saying:

A family at the scene told FOX 32 that the three people killed were their relatives, including a woman who was pregnant and her child.

Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and a loud boom before seeing smoke and flames. Bullet casings were found at the scene and police confirmed a criminal investigation has been launched.

One witness said he believes the fire was set intentionally.

"I'm just mindblown by that, that someone had other intent for a personal situation, from what I'm hearing, a personal beef or something like that, and now you just jeopardized the lives of so many people. It's heartless, selfish, unbelievable," he said.

Some residents told officials the fire may have been sparked by a personal dispute involving a tenant.

The Red Cross is assisting those affected.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

"I’m really at a loss for words about my three cousins’ deaths…it hurts so bad," Reverend George Smith Jr. said. "They lived life to the fullest…I loved the way they stayed together and respected their mother. They were good moms. Now I have 3 more angels watching over me…They are and were just good girls…I’m missing my little cousins. God needed y’all more. This really hurts."

"This grieving family and all of us in the Austin community need answers", says Leaders Network President David Cherry. "We are urging anyone with more information to come forward. In support of this effort, an award will be announced soon".

What's next:

Clark's next court date is scheduled for July 14.

AustinNews