CHICAGO, IL – Two individuals- Martez Cristler, 22, of Hammond, Indiana, and Nicholas Virgil, 37, of Riverdale- were apprehended following their implication in an arson attack resulting in the death of Chicago Firefighter Jermaine Pelt in 2023. The pair stands accused of three counts each of murder and aggravated arson. Anthony Moore, 47, from Blue Island, was also arrested on charges involving two counts of wire fraud, two of forgery, and one count of insurance fraud connected to the fire incident.
Chicago police arrested the three men on Tuesday after Cristler and Virgil were identified as being connected to the fatal house fire in the West Pullman neighborhood last year. The accused will face court on Friday.
On April 4, 2023, just prior to 4 a.m., a house fire broke out at 12017 S. Wallace Street, subsequently spreading to two neighboring residences. Pelt, aged 49, was handling a hose line in one of the afflicted homes at 12019 S. Wallace Street when the severity of conditions prompted a firefighter evacuation. Pelt, however, went down before he could be cleared out. His lieutenant discovered him near the hose line.
Rushed to the hospital in dire condition, Pelt later succumbed to his injuries. The autopsy report revealed Pelt’s death was due to carbon monoxide poisoning following smoke and soot inhalation.
Having devoted 18 years of his life to the Chicago Fire Department, Pelt had been recently celebrating his 49th birthday prior to the tragic incident. Known for his dedication, heart, and vibrant smile, Pelt leaves behind a loving family that includes his wife, a six-year-old son named Jared, and a daughter, Jorie, who he had the recent joy of escorting down the aisle at her wedding. Besides firefighting, Pelt was passionate about boxing, real estate entrepreneurship, and travel.