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Illinois man faces murder charges after two young boys die in apartment fire

Bond has been set at $5 million for a 61-year-old man facing murder and arson charges for allegedly setting an apartment building fire that killed two boys.
Fire arson police arrest via MGN

KANKAKEE, Ill. (AP) — Bond has been set at $5 million for a 61-year-old man facing murder and arson charges for allegedly setting an apartment building fire that killed two boys.

Alex Sawyer is charged in the deaths of 2-year-old Jushaun Watson and 4-year-old Justice Stewart. Both suffered severe burns in the April 13 blaze and died days later.

Five other building residents were injured, and three firefighters were hurt extinguishing the fire. Twenty people were left homeless.

Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jamie Boyd says Sawyer admitted to police he was in the building on the day of the fire, had previously lived there and had a disagreement with the landlord.

A public defender was granted a motion to have Sawyer evaluated for fitness to stand trial.

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