A 23-year-old man from Chicago, Lontray Clark, is facing serious charges after a fire he allegedly started led to the tragic deaths of four individuals, including a pregnant woman and her young son. Clark has been charged with multiple counts, including four counts of first-degree murder and aggravated arson.
Prosecutors claim that Clark set the fire out of anger after discovering that his ex-girlfriend was now dating a friend of his. Reports indicate that, after observing her on Snapchat, he became upset and decided to take action.
On the night of the incident, around 12:20 a.m., Clark and his cousin went to a gas station where he filled an antifreeze container with gasoline and then drove to the apartment where his ex-girlfriend was staying with his friend.
Video footage captured Clark parking behind the apartment complex before he quickly returned to his vehicle and drove to his grandfather’s house, where he allegedly discarded the clothes he was wearing at the time.
Although Clark’s ex-girlfriend and her companion managed to escape the flames, the fire spread rapidly, impacting other residents. Sadly, four people lost their lives: 76-year-old Brad Cummings, 32-year-old Regina Henry—who was three months pregnant—her 5-year-old son Jayceon, and Regina’s 28-year-old sister, Destiny Henry.
Emergency responders found Brad, Regina, and Jayceon deceased, while Destiny was discovered the following day. Additionally, several others were hospitalized, including Destiny’s 4-year-old son Kyle, who remains in critical condition.
In a heartbreaking comment, a family member expressed that Destiny would have survived if she had known her son was already safe outside.
Clark is currently being held in jail without bond as he awaits trial. A judge described his alleged actions as a severe disregard for human life.
