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Melanie Watson death by force case profile photo

Melanie Watson

Case from Chicago, IL dated Aug 24, 2016

Victim Details

Melanie Watson

March 28, 2022

Female

African-American / Black

Chicago

IL

2016-08-24

1

Melanie

Watson

Yes

07/19/2026


Area Body Found:

Case Description

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Melanie Watson, a 3-month-old infant, tragically died on August 24, 2016, following a fire that swept through an apartment building in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood. The fire, which broke out in the early hours of August 23, was intentionally set by Reginald Hester, who was later arrested and charged with four counts of first-degree murder and arson. The blaze claimed four lives, including Melanie, her sister Madison Watson (4 years old), and another child named Shaniya Staples (7 years old ...
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Links to Additional Sources (6)

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  • 4 Killed, Including 3 Children, in South Chicago Apartment Fire
  • Man set deadly fire after he was refused sex, Chicago police say
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    Forum Posts (2)

    I’ve been thinking a lot about Kirk Johnson, the neighbor who also lost his life in the fire. It�... ...Read More
    10/23/2023
    I've been following the tragic case of the South Shore fire, and my heart goes out to everyone affec... ...Read More
    06/11/2023
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