Deadly Jealousy: Man Slaughters 4—Child Included

A devastating act of jealous rage tore through the Austin neighborhood of Chicago in the early hours of June 26, 2025, leaving four people dead—among them a pregnant woman and her young son. The fire, deliberately set in a three-story apartment building at 5222 West North Avenue, was allegedly started by 23-year-old Lontray Clark, who now faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder and aggravated arson.

Authorities confirmed that the fire was a premeditated attack, sparked by Clark’s emotional response to a social media post from his ex-girlfriend. What began as a disturbing domestic grievance exploded into one of the city’s most horrific fire-related tragedies in recent years, robbing a family—and a community—of cherished lives.

Man Allegedly Fueled by Social Media Rage Plots Deadly Attack

According to prosecutors, Clark became enraged after viewing a Snapchat selfie his ex-girlfriend posted, which showed her inside the home of her new boyfriend—someone Clark knew personally. That image reportedly triggered the jealous fury that would lead to his decision to burn down the building.

Around 12:20 a.m. that night, Clark allegedly recruited his cousin to assist in carrying out his plan. Their first stop was a BP gas station, where Clark filled a yellow antifreeze container with gasoline. Surveillance footage later showed him purchasing a black shirt, a face mask, and a lighter from a nearby convenience store—tools that would serve both as disguise and ignition source.

The two then drove to an alley behind the apartment building, where Clark suited up in black, masked his face, and carried the gasoline toward the structure. He deliberately set fires at multiple points—on the exterior courtyard and stairwells of both the second and third floors—ensuring the flames would trap residents and spread uncontrollably.

Afterward, Clark returned to the car and reportedly told his cousin chillingly, “Now that’s how you start a fire.”

Man Faces Murder Charges After Fire Claims Four Lives

The fire erupted shortly before 2:00 a.m. and quickly engulfed the apartment complex. What began as a routine fire call soon escalated into a 3-11 alarm emergency, bringing approximately 140 firefighters to the scene in a desperate effort to contain the inferno and rescue trapped residents.

Despite their efforts, four people perished in the fire:

Regina Brown Henry, 32, who was three months pregnant
Jayceon Henry, 5, Regina’s son
Destiny Brown Henry, 28, Regina’s younger sister
Brad Cummings, 76, a longtime community journalist and editor of The Austin Voice newspaper

Clark’s ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend—the intended targets—managed to escape through a window, waking just in time to avoid the flames. But others were not so fortunate. Destiny’s 4-year-old son, Kyle, survived but remains in critical condition with life-threatening burns and head trauma.

The apartment building has since been declared uninhabitable, displacing several families and further compounding the emotional toll of the tragedy.

A Community in Mourning: “They Didn’t Deserve This”

News of the arson and its victims sent shockwaves through the Austin community, prompting an outpouring of grief, support, and outrage. Brad Cummings, one of the victims, was a beloved figure—known for his decades of work highlighting local stories, uplifting residents, and fighting for neighborhood equity through The Austin Voice.

“Brad was more than a journalist—he was a pillar,” said one local resident. “To lose him, along with that beautiful family, is beyond heartbreaking. They didn’t deserve this.”

Regina and Destiny were remembered by neighbors as kind, hardworking women who put family first. Jayceon, Regina’s 5-year-old son, was described as “full of joy and energy,” his bright future cut tragically short.

A local church has since organized a memorial and support fund for the victims’ families, while city officials have pledged to assist the displaced tenants.

Legal Consequences and Next Steps

Lontray Clark was apprehended shortly after the fire and is now being held without bond. Prosecutors detailed the evidence collected against him, including surveillance footage, phone data, and witness accounts. During the bond hearing, the judge described Clark’s alleged actions as “an unfathomable act of calculated violence.”

He faces multiple charges, including:

Four counts of first-degree murder
One count of aggravated arson
Attempted murder of those who narrowly escaped

If convicted, Clark could spend the rest of his life in prison.

The case has also prompted discussions around mental health, domestic violence, and the dangers of unchecked emotions, especially in the age of social media where perceived slights can spiral into tragedy.

Conclusion: A Preventable Tragedy and a Plea for Healing

The June 26 blaze stands as a grim reminder of how envy and retaliation can destroy lives in seconds. It’s a stark reflection of deeper issues—of possessiveness, emotional instability, and the misuse of technology to fuel rage.

For the Austin community, healing will be a long journey. But through vigils, shared memories, and collective action, the hope is that the victims will be remembered not only for how they died—but for the lives they lived and the love they shared.

Let their names not be lost in the fire, but carried forward in the fight for justice, safety, and peace.