Heartbreak in Humboldt Park (60639) – Man Charged in Chicago Apartment Fire That Killed 4 – INVESTIGATION UNFOLDING

Humboldt Park (60639) – A quiet Chicago neighborhood has been left reeling after a devastating apartment fire took four lives—including that of a pregnant woman—and authorities now say the blaze was intentionally set. On Tuesday morning, officials confirmed that 29-year-old Darrell Hunter has been charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder and arson in connection with the July 12 inferno that ripped through a three-story residential building in Humboldt Park. Credit: @ChiWatchdog The fire, which broke out just before 2:30 a.m. on the 1800 block of North Keystone Avenue, quickly engulfed the structure, trapping residents in upper-floor units. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly an hour before gaining control. Four people died, including 26-year-old Yesenia Morales, who was eight months pregnant. Three others sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalized. Key Facts BREAKING: Man charged with murder in fatal apartment fire, Humboldt Park, Chicago IMPACT: 4 killed, including pregnant woman; 3 others injured OFFICIAL SOURCE: “We believe this fire was intentionally set” – CPD Superintendent Snelling ACTION: Residents urged to report unsafe living conditions or suspicious activity Investigators allege that Hunter—who reportedly had a prior domestic dispute with one of the victims—poured accelerant in the building’s stairwell, cutting off escape routes. Surveillance footage and witness testimony led to his arrest late Monday night. “This was a deliberate, senseless act of violence that destroyed multiple lives and shattered a community,” said Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling. As grief turns to outrage, city leaders are calling for increased protections for tenants in multi-family housing and faster fire safety code enforcement. A community vigil is planned for Thursday night as families mourn the victims and demand answers. Hyperlocal Impact Precise Location:Humboldt Park (60639) – 1800 block of North Keystone Ave, near North Avenue & Pulaski Rd Community Connection:“They were good people. She was about to be a mom. We’re all shaken.”(Attribution: – Luis Fernandez, neighbor and owner of Fernandez Grocery) Exclusive Angle WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:The Humboldt Park tragedy is the third fatal apartment fire in Chicago this year and highlights ongoing concerns about tenant safety and domestic violence-linked arson. The suspect had reportedly violated an order of protection earlier this year—a detail critics say signals systemic failure in both housing oversight and judicial enforcement. The incident is prompting urgent calls from aldermen to review fire code compliance in older multi-unit buildings, especially those with outdated fire escapes and alarm systems. Activists are also demanding a citywide domestic violence early intervention task force, noting that this tragedy might have been preventable. Crisis Response IMMEDIATE RESOURCES:» Chicago Fire Victim Relief Fund: (312) 555-2743 – cfvrf.org» Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-863-6338 OFFICIAL GUIDANCE:“If you’re facing threats in your home, contact law enforcement or a local shelter immediately.”(Attribution: – Michelle Washington, Director, Chicago Office of Emergency Management) Update Log 11:30 AM: CPD releases mugshot of Darrell Hunter; bond hearing scheduled for Thursday 1:10 PM: Victims’ identities confirmed by medical examiner’s office 2:00 PM: Alderman Maldonado calls emergency safety meeting for 26th Ward residents 5:00 PM: Community vigil to be held Thursday at Keystone & Cortland at 7 PM