Sheaves Slate, 27, is facing first-degree murder, aggravated arson, and residential arson charges in connection with the death of firefighter Michael Altman, who tragically died after a fire was set in a Chicago apartment building on March 16, 2024.
The Incident
The fire broke out early in the morning in the basement boiler room of an apartment building on the South Side of Chicago. According to prosecutors, Slate, a former resident of the building, returned illegally and set fire to a mattress using a lighter.
He then blocked the door to the room, concealing the fire, and left the building without warning anyone inside.
By the time the fire spread, Michael Altman, a 32-year-old firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department, was among the first responders. Altman, who was working on the first floor, fell into the basement after firefighters moved the door blocking the fire, which led to the collapse of the building structure above.
He was engulfed in flames, suffering burns to 90% of his body, and tragically died the following day from his injuries.
Slate’s Actions
In the days leading up to the fire, Slate had been illegally staying in the basement of the building, after having moved out about nine months earlier. He had been told to leave by several tenants but was seen inside the building multiple times.
On March 15, Slate became angry when he was denied access to the building and allegedly said, “you are going to pay” for crossing him.
Early the next morning, Slate allegedly re-entered the building through a broken window and started the fire, leaving the scene without alerting anyone.
After the fire, he took public transit to the Harold Washington Library, where he changed clothes and dyed his hair. He later checked himself into a hospital for suicidal thoughts, where he was arrested.
Legal Proceedings
During his interrogation, Slate confessed to starting the fire, claiming he acted while feeling depressed and suicidal. The Cook County State’s Attorney, Eileen O’Neill Burke, expressed grief over the loss of Michael Altman, a fourth-generation firefighter, who is survived by his wife and young child, with another child on the way.
Slate has been denied bond and is currently being held in custody. A judge deemed him a threat to the community due to his history with fire-setting and an outstanding warrant at the time of the incident. Slate’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 8, 2024.
The Loss of Michael Altman
Michael Altman was a dedicated public servant who had been following in his family’s footsteps as a firefighter. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson praised Altman’s bravery and strength in the line of duty, calling him “not just a public servant, but a true hero.”
