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Man Charged with Murder in Death of Chicago Fire Captain During Arson Blaze

Charles K. Green faces charges of murder and aggravated arson after a garage fire he allegedly set led to the death of Capt. David Meyer; a judge has ordered his detention, citing danger to first responders.

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Firefighters escort a relative of Capt. David Meyer after attending the detention hearing for Charles Green, charged with arson and murder, at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Chicago. Meyer died after responding to a fire that Green is charged with starting. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • Capt. David Meyer of the Chicago Fire Department died after a roof collapsed while he battled a deliberately set garage fire in the Austin neighborhood.
  • Charles K. Green, who lives near the fire scene, has been charged with murder and aggravated arson and remains detained following a Saturday hearing.
  • Prosecutors presented video evidence showing Green near the fire scene and cited recovered accelerants and clothing with residue tying him to the blaze.
  • A judge ruled that Green's actions endangered first responders, resulting in Capt. Meyer's death, and ordered him held without bail.
  • Funeral services for Capt. Meyer are planned for early next week, with a wake on Monday and a public memorial service on Tuesday.