Overview
- Firefighters responded Monday night to reports of an explosion at a three-story building on the 1800 block of 51st Avenue in Cicero.
- Authorities initially described an apparent fuel explosion, but a Cook County Medical Examiner’s autopsy found the victim had been shot in the head before the fire.
- Investigators say an accelerant was used to ignite the blaze, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal is working with Cicero fire officials on the case.
- The man, described as middle-aged, was found dead in the unit where the fire started, and his identity has not been released.
- No other injuries were reported, residents of other apartments were displaced, and the investigation remains active.