A suspected arson in Chicago has claimed the lives of two adults and two children, authorities say.
The Fire
On May 20, just before 2 a.m., Chicago firefighters responded to a fire at a residence in the 6200 block of South Paulina Street in West Englewood. The home was badly damaged, with blackened walls, broken windows, and toys scattered outside.
Victims
The deceased adults were identified as 57-year-old Lisa Brown and 62-year-old Reginald Wilson. Two of the children, Ja’Quan, 15, and Royalty Rattler, 8, later died in the hospital. Two other children, boys aged 14 and 16, survived and are in stable condition. Brown had been a longtime foster parent and guardian to the children, according to family members.
Rescue Efforts
Firefighters and local residents helped rescue two of the older children, catching them from a window. The children were transported to Comer Children’s Hospital, while the adults were taken to the University of Chicago Hospital in critical condition.
Investigation
The Chicago Police Department has classified the case as an arson investigation. Authorities believe the fire was started from the outside. Alderman Ray Lopez urged neighbors to check doorbell cameras for footage between midnight and 1 a.m.
Family and Community Reaction
Family members and neighbors described the home as a warm, tight-knit family environment. Antonio Wilson, whose parents died in the fire, said, “My family was a family, we stuck together. They didn’t deserve this.” Neighbors recalled family barbecues and movie nights, expressing heartbreak over the tragedy.
