Sheaves Slate Charged With Murder, Arson in Rogers Park Fire That Killed Firefighter Michael Altman.

Sheaves Slate, a 27-year-old man from Chicago's Avondale neighborhood, has been formally charged with multiple felony offenses including two counts of murder, aggravated arson, and residential arson.

“CHICAGO — A 27-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a Chicago firefighter, who died while battling a blaze in Rogers Park earlier this week”

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The charges are in connection with the deadly Rogers Park fire that claimed the life of firefighter Michael Altman.

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Slate was arrested on Wednesday afternoon in the Uptown neighborhood on an unrelated warrant, according to Chicago police.

An internal bulletin within the Chicago Police Department had identified Slate as a person of interest in the investigation prior to his arrest.

The formal charges were announced by authorities on Friday afternoon after further investigation.

The fatal incident occurred on Monday morning when a devastating fire erupted at approximately 11:30 a.m. in the 1700 block of West North Shore Avenue in Rogers Park.

Firefighter Michael Altman, 32, was battling the blaze when the floor beneath him collapsed, causing him to fall from the first floor into a basement that was already fully engulfed in flames.

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Despite being rescued in less than a minute by fellow firefighters, Altman suffered severe burns to 90% of his body.

Altman was transported to Stroger Hospital where he was pronounced dead the following morning on Tuesday.

The fire department reported that crews arrived at the scene within three minutes, but by that point, two floors of the apartment building were already engulfed in flames.

The blaze was officially struck out around 1:15 p.m. according to fire officials.

Michael Altman, 32-year-old firefighter/EMT, was a fourth-generation member of the Chicago Fire Department, carrying on a family legacy of service.

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His father served as a battalion chief and his grandfather ran the department under Mayor Richard M.

Altman had been with the Chicago Fire Department for nearly two years and was assigned to Truck 47 in Edgewater.

He leaves behind a young son and his wife, who was just weeks away from delivering their second child at the time of his death.

In contrast, Sheaves Slate has a criminal history that includes at least three arrests since July 2025.

Court records show he pleaded guilty to retail theft in October 2025 and was placed under court supervision for a year.

A warrant was issued in January 2026 after he failed to appear in court to face additional charges of retail theft and possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

The Chicago community has responded with an outpouring of grief and support following this tragic incident.

Fellow first responders organized a funeral procession that traveled down Western Avenue and 103rd Street, with residents lining the streets to pay their respects.

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An online fundraiser for Altman's family has raised over $500,000 as of Friday morning, demonstrating the widespread impact of his loss.

Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt issued a statement expressing the department's profound grief.

She noted that 'this development is an important step toward justice.'

The Chicago Police Department, through Superintendent Larry Snelling, also expressed condolences.

Snelling referred to Altman as 'a hero until the very end' and requested that the focus remain on Altman's heroic life rather than on the individual responsible for his death.

Legal proceedings are expected to continue as Sheaves Slate faces serious charges that could result in significant prison time.

“A man has been charged with murder and arson in connection with the fire Monday in Rogers Park that resulted in a firefighter’s death”

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Slate is currently in custody and expected to appear in court on Saturday.

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The Chicago Fire Department issued a statement thanking the CPD for their 'tireless and collaborative efforts' and 'outstanding work on this case and in bringing accountability to this tragic incident.'

The department emphasized that 'through their diligence an individual has been charged with first-degree murder.'

While the exact cause of Altman's death was still pending as of Friday according to the Cook County medical examiner's office, the charges against Slate suggest prosecutors believe his actions were directly responsible for creating the dangerous conditions that led to Altman's death.

This case highlights the risks faced by first responders and the serious legal consequences for those whose actions endanger firefighters and emergency personnel.