Balloon release held to honor victims of suspected West Side arson

CHICAGO (WGN) — Loved ones and community members gathered on Monday evening to remember the four people who were killed in a suspected arson on Chicago’s West Side last week.

Ald. Emma Mitts, who represents the 37^th Ward, says she hosted a balloon release to give people a safe place to not only grieve but to come together and offer help for those displaced and those in mourning.

“In this tragedy, we have a senseless act, one that should have never happened. I’d like to see people doing more talking and less being angry and gun violence,” Ald. Mitts said.

The balloon release started at 6 p.m. at the apartment building located in the 5200 block of West North Avenue in the Austin neighborhood.

Fire officials said the deadly fire erupted just before 2 a.m. Thursday. Before firefighters arrived, at least one person jumped out of a third-floor window to try and get away from the flames.

One resident who escaped the flames described the scene as “madness.”

Four people died in the fire, including 32-year-old Regina Henry, her 5-year-old son Jayceon Henry, 28-year old Destiny Henry and 76-year-old Brad Cummings. Ald. Mitts says 37 people were displaced.

Destiny Henry’s 5-year-old son, Kyle Lee Jr., is currently at Comer Children’s Hospital fighting for his life with bleeding in his brain and injuries to both of his arms. He remains on a ventilator.

“He opened his eyes for the first time yesterday and he looked at me and dropped a tear. He is in so much pain but he is so strong. I haven’t seen someone as strong as him,” Jamyah Dorsey, Kyle Lee Jr.’s aunt, said. “Watching him go through this pain is unbearable.”

Witnesses told WGN-TV they heard yelling and loud noises before the fire broke out. Ald. Mitts says it was a result of a domestic dispute.

Chicago police say they are investigating the deadly fire as arson.

“Tonight’s event is for those who knew the family members who have not been able to come out and support them. And even if you need some help grieving over this incident, then you can be there with others so that we can support each other,” Ald. Mitts said.  

 No arrests have been made so far. The family of three of the victims is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.