The Chicago Tribune has published an updated report on the trial of Lawrence Myers, who was recently convicted of murder in connection with a deadly fire that occurred in Cicero in 2010. The incident, which took place on Valentine’s Day, resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including four children.
Lawrence Myers, 64, was found guilty by a jury for orchestrating the arson at his property located at 3034 S. 48th Court. Prosecutors allege that Myers wanted to collect $250,000 in insurance money and relocate to West Virginia. To carry out the plan, he hired his maintenance worker, Marion “Andre†Comier, 51, who is still awaiting trial on related charges.
According to court documents, Comier set the fire using gasoline on the back porch of the four-flat apartment building. The blaze quickly spread, trapping residents inside. Seven people lost their lives, including two infants, one of whom was just three days old. Among the victims were Byron Reed, Sallie Gist, their sons Rayshawn and Brian, Sallie's twins Elijah and Elisha, and family friend Tiera Davidson.
The fire engulfed the only staircase leading to the second floor, where many of the victims were sleeping. All died from carbon monoxide poisoning due to smoke inhalation, as stated by prosecutors.
The jury reached its verdict in just 90 minutes, convicting Myers of seven counts of murder—one for each victim. Authorities revealed that two days after the fire, three witnesses came forward to police, claiming they overheard Myers and Comier discussing plans to burn down the building.
Investigators uncovered evidence of a conspiracy between Myers and Comier to set the fire for insurance fraud. A cooperating witness wore a wire and provided critical information that helped build the case against them.
In secretly recorded conversations, Myers expressed regret over the timing of the fire, saying it happened when many people were home. He also complained that Comier did not follow his instructions, such as setting the fire in the afternoon before children returned from school. Myers allegedly promised Comier $3,000 and told him not to harm anyone.
After the fire, Myers filed an insurance claim for the damaged property. Shortly after his arrest, he confessed to detectives, citing financial difficulties as his motivation.
Myers is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, and he faces a mandatory life sentence for his role in the tragedy.
Thanks, Dan.
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