Cook County prosecutors say a man charged with murder in a Chicago apartment building fire that killed three children and an adult was angered over a deal for sex the woman reneged on. Prosecutors say 51-year-old Reginald Hester gave a videotaped confession admitting that on Aug. 23, he started the early-morning fire on the rear porch and interior stairway of the building.
Prosecutors say that before setting the fire, he offered a woman living in the building $10 for sex. She allegedly took the money and then reneged on the deal.
The fire trapped many residents in their apartments, causing the death of children ages 3 months, 4 and 7, along with a 56-year-old man. Hester was ordered held without bond on murder and arson charges.
