A deliberately set fire tore through a three-story South Shore apartment building in Chicago in the early morning hours of August 23, 2016, killing four people and destroying the structure. Seven-year-old Shaniyah Staples was one of three young children found dead inside after firefighters brought the blaze under control. The other child victims were four-year-old Madison Watson and three-month-old Melanie Watson; a 56-year-old resident, Kirk Johnson, also died from thermal injuries and carbon monoxide toxicity.

Authorities called the blaze suspicious and opened a criminal investigation. Police later arrested 51-year-old Reginald Hester on multiple counts of first-degree murder and arson, alleging the fire was set after an argument with building residents over a trivial matter. Witnesses reported prior arguments, and officials said the infant suffered fatal head injuries when her father jumped from a third-floor window trying to save her. The fire gutted the building and displaced many families; the Chicago Fire Department and the Red Cross assisted those affected, and the community held a candlelight vigil for the children.

If anyone knew Shaniyah, the other victims, or saw the building or people involved that night, please share what you remember.