A former tenant was ordered held on charges of murder and arson after admitting to starting a fire in a Rogers Park apartment building that resulted in the death of firefighter Michael Altman, officials said March 24. The fire occurred on March 16 at 1757 W. North Shore Ave., leading to the collapse of the building’s first floor and fatal injuries to Altman.
The case has drawn attention because it highlights risks faced by first responders during emergencies. Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke said, “We are all grieving the tragic loss of Michael Altman — a young father and dedicated firefighter who followed in his family’s footsteps to serve and protect others.” She added, “This marks the second time under my administration that murder charges have been brought for a firefighter’s on-duty death — a sobering reminder of the risks first responders face every day as they confront danger to keep us safe.”
According to court testimony, Sheaves Slate, 27, set his mattress on fire in the basement after an argument with former roommates. Prosecutors said Slate acted out of suicidal thoughts and anger toward those he had argued with. After being identified by tenants and his former roommates, Slate admitted responsibility for starting the blaze.
Slate had previously lived at the North Shore Avenue apartment but was not legally residing there at the time of the incident. In months prior, residents reported seeing him enter common areas like laundry rooms and boiler rooms without permission. On March 15—the night before the fire—Slate reportedly threatened tenants after being denied access to his old apartment.
Following an argument late that evening, Slate re-entered through a broken window around 11 p.m., spending time near both third-floor apartments and basement units before setting his mattress alight just before noon on March 16. Surveillance footage showed him leaving shortly afterward; he later changed appearance at Harold Washington Library before checking himself into a hospital for suicidal ideation where he was arrested.
During Monday’s hearing before Judge Luciano Panici Jr., it was revealed that Slate has struggled with depression since childhood and previously set accidental fires at homeless campsites in Chicago last year. He also faces multiple retail theft and drug possession charges from previous arrests.
Panici ruled that pretrial detention was necessary due to risk factors associated with Slate’s mental health history ahead of an April court date.
