Man charged with arson, murder in Chicago firefighter's death detained pending trial

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago man charged with arson and murder in the death of a Chicago firefighter will be detained, pending trial, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office said Monday.

Sheaves Slate, 27, appeared in court Monday, after missing a hearing Saturday amid his hospitalization.

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Prosecutors allege Slate was squatting in a building in the 1700-block of West North Shore Avenue, and he started a fire in the basement after arguing with two tenants.

While battling the blaze, Chicago Fire Department firefighter Michael Altman fell from the building's first floor, which collapsed, and into the basement last Monday.

The 32-year-old CFD EMT died from his injuries on Tuesday.

Slate was later arrested in the 800-block of West Irving Park Road on Wednesday. He was taken into custody at a local hospital he had checked himself into for psychiatric help.

Prosecutors said, before that, he took the Red Line to Harold Washington Library, where he allegedly dyed his hair and changed his clothes after the fire.

The judge said Monday it's clear that Slate is someone with a penchant for setting fires and is a threat to the community.

Slate appeared mostly disengaged from his detention hearing. The 27-year-old at one point placed his head onto the courtroom table as if asleep.

After his court appearance Monday, Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke said in a statement:

"We are all grieving the tragic loss of Michael Altman - a young father and dedicated firefighter who followed in his family's footsteps to serve and protect others. His death is a profound loss for the Chicago Fire Department, his family and loved ones, and communities across Cook County. My thoughts are with all who are mourning during this incredibly difficult time.

"Our felony review prosecutors acted swiftly, in collaboration with the Chicago Police Department, to approve charges including first-degree murder and aggravated arson in connection with Michael's death. This marks the second time under my administration that murder charges have been brought for a firefighter's on-duty death - a sobering reminder of the risks first responders face every day as they confront danger to keep us safe.

"We will pursue this case with the utmost seriousness and will seek justice in court on behalf of Michael, his family, and the people of Cook County."

The ABC7 I-Team learned that Slate also has a history of drug and retail theft charges.

Officials in court on Saturday said Slate recently failed to appear for a hearing in connection with a retail theft case, and he was already on suspension in connection with another retail theft case.

Prosecutors Monday said he had an open warrant for his arrest.

According to prosecutors, Slate had previously lived with a friend in a third-floor unit inside the building.

In the weeks prior to the fire, he had been seen coming and going, illegally staying in the basement, where the boiler room and laundry room were located.

It is there they said Slate admitted to setting fire to a mattress after becoming depressed and having suicidal thoughts.

Court documents stated Slate blocked the entryway with a door that made it harder for responding firefighters to gain access.

"This type of incident is clearly preventable. There is not doubt when you look at what has happened here that somebody who continually did not show up at court appearances after his arrest should have been locked up the first time," former 2nd Ward Alderman Bob Fioretti said.

Altman, a fourth-generation CFD firefighter, was a husband, and a father to a young child. His wife is pregnant with their second child.

"The evidence was overwhelming, and I think they got it right. It's good to see. It's good for the family," 45th Ward Alderman James Gardiner said Monday.

A large contingent of Chicago Fire department personnel, including Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt, attended Monday's hearing.

Gardiner acknowledged the tragedy of the department's loss while also saying, "it's equally reassuring to see the camaraderie among first responders. The amount of support that has come from first responders, not only in Chicago, but in the suburbs and even out of state is tremendous."

Altman's funeral is set for Friday at Saint Rita of Cascia at 10 a.m. The visitation is scheduled for Thursday, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the same location.

ABC7 will have live coverage of Altman's funeral on our air and wherever you stream on Friday morning.

Slate is next due in court April 8.