Arson investigation underway after woman killed, girl hurt in Bridgeport fire, Chicago police say

Suspect threw incendiary device through window, CPD says

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team and Maher Kawash WLS logo
Sunday, June 16, 2024
Woman killed, girl hurt in suspected Bridgeport arson: CPD
Chicago police suspect arson after a woman was killed and a girl was hurt after an incendiary device sparked an apartment fire Saturday in Bridgeport.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- An arson investigation is underway after a 54-year old woman was killed and a 12-year-old girl was injured in a fire in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood.

Police said at about 2:21 a.m. Saturday morning, an unknown male suspect threw an incendiary device through the window of an apartment in the 3100 block of South Green Street.

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Heavy smoke and flames could be seen from the second floor of the building.

The woman died at the scene, according to police. She was later identified as Charnette Walker, 54, and she lived at the apartment, the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said.

The Chicago Fire Department transported the girl to Stroger Hospital where she was last listed in fair condition.

SEE ALSO | 1 dead, 4 rescued from South Shore apartment fire, Chicago Fire Dept. says

As crews board up the apartment, Chicago police are now looking for a person that they believe started the fire intentionally.

Family members and neighbors visited the home later in the day Saturday. They were devastated by the damage and too upset to speak with ABC7 on camera.

A motive for the suspected arson was not clear and there is no one in custody at this time. Police continue to investigate.

No further information was immediately available.

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