Pregnant mother and her 5-year-old son died after her sister’s ex-boyfriend got jealous when she posted a photo with his buddy on social media and set their home on fire; man charged
Illinois – In a horrific act of jealousy and violence that has left Illinois residents shocked, a 23-year-old man, identified as L. Clark, is now facing multiple felony charges after setting an apartment building on fire, killing four people — including a pregnant woman and her 5-year-old son — all because he was enraged over a social media post.
Clark has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated arson, and other related felonies following the deadly fire on June 26. Prosecutors say Clark became furious after seeing his ex-girlfriend post a photo with one of his friends on Snapchat. That anger allegedly led to a devastating and deadly chain of events. According to local reports, Clark picked up his cousin after seeing the post and drove to a gas station where they filled an antifreeze bottle with gasoline. Prosecutors revealed Clark then used the gasoline to make a Molotov cocktail, purchasing black clothes, a face mask, and a lighter before heading to his friend’s apartment building.
Authorities say Clark threw the Molotov cocktail at both the front and back doors of the building, trapping the residents inside. The victims who perished in the blaze were not involved in the feud between Clark and his ex-girlfriend. Instead, they were innocent residents of the building. The four killed were B. Cummings, 76; Destiny H., 28; her sister Regina H., 32; and Regina’s 5-year-old son, Jayceon H. Regina was pregnant at the time of her death. Clark’s ex-girlfriend and the friend he allegedly targeted survived by escaping through a window. However, at least four other people were injured, including Destiny’s 4-year-old son, Kyle, who was hospitalized in critical condition with severe burns and head trauma.
An estimated 140 firefighters responded to the massive blaze in the early hours of the morning, battling flames that could have been avoided, said A. Mitts. “I don’t know what goes through people’s head. They should be locked up and the key thrown away behind all of that.” Clark was arrested following an investigation in which his cousin reportedly confessed to police, saying Clark admitted to starting the fire. According to prosecutors, Clark told his cousin, “I just lit the house on fire.” Clark’s public defender, however, pointed out during his initial court appearance that no surveillance footage directly shows Clark setting the fire.
Prosecutors believe Clark’s jealousy over the social media post led him to seek revenge, with tragic and fatal consequences. They allege Clark’s actions were premeditated, given the time and effort he took to purchase supplies and make the firebomb. Clark appeared in court for the first time on Saturday, where details of the incident and his alleged motives were revealed. He is facing life in prison if convicted. The community, meanwhile, is mourning the senseless loss of life, especially the deaths of Regina, her unborn child, and her young son Jayceon.
“It’s something that could have been avoided,” Alderwoman Mitts said, echoing the grief and disbelief of many. The fatal fire has not only destroyed a building but also left families broken and a neighborhood grieving. As the legal process moves forward, the city continues to come together to support the survivors and honor the memories of those who perished in a tragedy sparked by jealousy and rage.
