CHICAGO — A tragic apartment fire that claimed the lives of four people — including three members of one family and a 5-year-old child — is now under investigation as a case of arson, with West Side community and faith leaders vowing they “will not rest” until justice is served.
The fire erupted early Thursday morning at a three-floor courtyard apartment building near North and Latrobe avenues in the Austin neighborhood. The blaze destroyed the building and displaced 27 families, with officials describing the aftermath as resembling “World War III.”
Victims Identified, Community in Mourning
The victims of the fire have been identified as:
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Destiny Brown Henry, 28
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Gina Brown Henry, 32
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Jayceon Henry, 5
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Brad Cummings, 76
The three Henry family members were all closely related. According to Rev. George Smith, the girls were his cousins, and he had frequently cut Jayceon’s hair. Their mother, Debbie Brown Henry, survived the incident but lost her daughters and grandson. She also lived in the building.
“They were great people,” Smith said. “The joy that the girls brought to our lives… Now their brother is hurting. Their mom is hurting. We’re a close-knit family.”
Arson Suspected in Domestic Violence Context
According to Chicago police, the fire was intentionally started by a man who threw Molotov cocktails at the building during what Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) described as a domestic violence-related attack.
As of Monday, no arrests have been made, and the case remains under active investigation.
Community Rallies With Reward and Vigils
In response to the deadly blaze, The Leaders Network — a coalition of faith and community leaders — is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Rev. Ira Acree, a founding member of the group, called the act a “calculated act of terror.”
“We’re very upset about what took place,” Acree said. “Even though we’re just a community organization, we wanted to put something up to get incentive for people to speak up.”
Remembering Brad Cummings: A Local Media Champion
The fourth victim, Brad Cummings, was the editor and photographer for the Austin Voice, a local neighborhood newspaper. The paper, which has served the West Side since the 1980s, was preparing for its 40th anniversary.
“Brad was a champion of the community,” Acree added. “He didn’t have to be over here. That paper was his life.”
A vigil and balloon release in honor of the victims was scheduled for Monday evening at the site of the fire.
Have you been impacted by the Austin apartment fire or know someone who lived in the building? Share your story or community effort with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — your voice matters.
