As the investigation into a fatal fire that killed three children in Chicago continued into its second day, authorities say a person of interest remains in custody, but no charges have been filed.
Candles and balloons mark the scene where the three young sisters were among four people killed in the extra-alarm fire in a South Chicago apartment complex early Tuesday morning. Family members say they've been left heartbroken and angry as fire officials believe the fire may have been intentionally set.
“I just loved them so much and they loved me,” the girls’ mother, Kyra Smith, said.
Three-month-old Melanie Watson, 4-year-old Madison Watson and 7-year-old Shaniyah Staples were killed in the balze, along with an unidentified man, according to family members and the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.
Around 1:40 a.m., approximately 200 firefighters were called to a burning three-story building in the 8100 block of South Essex Avenue, authorities said.
The stairwells were consumed by fire, officials said, forcing several people to exit the 32-unit apartment building through windows. A witness told NBC 5 he had tried to save himself and the 3-month-old by jumping from a third-story window with the baby in his arms.
Crews searched for hours after the blaze was put out for the other three victims who were unaccounted for before they were found dead in two different areas of the building.
The bodies of the two other children were found in one unit, while the adult male was found in another location. One woman on the scene told NBC 5 the children were her nieces and they were staying with the 4-year-old’s father in the building when the fire broke out.
Chicago Fire officials said they found evidence that leads them to believe someone intentionally set the fire, and a person of interest was taken into custody, according to police.
Resident Latoya Terry says she had an argument with the person she believes set the fire after a squabble over $10.
"I didn't know it would escalate to this," she said.
Three additional adults were taken to area hospitals.
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The building's owner released a statement Tuesday saying the "incomprehensible tragedy leaves our company forever changed."
"It is an utterly stark reminder of how fragile life is and how quickly our world can be turned upside down," EquityBuild CEO Jerry Cohen and President Shaun Cohen said in a statement. "We are shaken to our essence, yet we are left to respond as human beings. Each of us is called upon to be vigilant in searching for opportunities to help, elevate and inspire those around us, and to live with compassion and love for all of our fellows."
The owners say they were working with their property manager to provide housing for all residents affected by the fire and are working with the Red Cross to provide clothing and support.
Shawn Staples, Shariyah’s father, remembered the girls at a vigil Tuesday night.
“They are looking down on me,” he said. “Down on all of this and see how much love and how much support they had out here.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for the burials of the three sisters and to help the parents who lost everything in the fire.
