Vigil held for women killed in 'suspicious' Kelvyn Park fire

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Family and friends gathered for a prayer vigil two days after a fatal fire killed two young women on the 4500-block of West Parker in Chicago's Kelvyn park neighborhood.

Officials continue their investigation into the blaze, which may have been deliberately set.

It was an emotional vigil as family and friends gathered outside the now boarded up building where Thursday night 18-year-old Samantha Welch and 22-year-old Celia Cruz Reyes died as a result of a fire inside their garden floor apartment.

"It's very difficult," said Pastor John Zayas, Grace and Peace Community Church. "You don't expect it when you receive a phone call and you're told your daughter doesn't exist anymore."

Bomb and arson detectives are now looking into the possibility that the fire was deliberately set. Officials say accelerants were found inside the apartment. And although the building's owner and other residents confirm the presence of new, working smoke detectors, none were found in the women's apartment. A third roommate was not home at the time of the fire.

"There are a lot of questions roaming around and we can't answer them," Zayas said. "Only the authorities can do that. They are working the case and we'll have the answers soon. We're trusting that justice will be served, that the answers will come."

During Sunday's vigil, which was attended mostly by Welch's family, Zayas encouraged them to remember her life, rather than try to find a reason for the tragedy that took her away.

"She was a caring person, a loving person, a person who loved life," he said. "What do you do when people like that go? How do you explain that?"

Police say the investigation into the fire is an ongoing process and have yet to officially declare it a case of arson.