Man charged with murder, arson in death of firefighter Michael Altman
By Tara Molina, Elyssa Kaufman, Kris Habermehl, Sara Tenenbaum
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CHICAGO (WBBM) — A Chicago man is charged with murder and arson in the death of Chicago firefighter Michael Altman.
Chicago police said Sheaves Slate, 27, has been charged with one count two felony murder charges and two felony arson charges for Altman’s death from injuries he sustained when he fell from the first floor to a basement while battling a blaze in a four-story apartment building in Rogers Park Monday.
Slate is in custody at this time. CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling released a statement on Altman’s death and the charges, writing in part, “On behalf of the Chicago Police Department, our deepest condolences are with the family of Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman and the entire Chicago Fire Department. The loss of Firefighter Altman, who was a hero until the very end, is a profound loss for those who knew him and our entire city.”
“Although we are proud of the tremendous work done to hold this offender accountable, we ask that the focus not be on who is responsible for Firefighter Altman’s death, but rather on his heroic life and his loved ones who will live with this grief forever,” the statement continued. “We will stand alongside our brothers and sisters at CFD as they carry on the legacy of a beloved father, husband, son and brother.”
The Chicago Fire Department also issued a statement in the wake of the charges, thanking CPD for their “tireless and collaborative efforts” and “their outstanding work on this case and in bringing accountability to this tragic incident. Through their diligence an individual has been charged with first-degree murder.”
“While no outcome can undo the devastating loss the Altman family, his CFD family, friends and the city have suffered, this development is an important step toward justice,” the statement continued.
CBS News Chicago legal analyst Irv Miller said the law is clear why Slate faces a first-degree murder charge, and if anyone else was involved, they too could face murder charges.
“If you’re committing a forcible felony – and aggravated arson is a forcible felony – and someone dies during the course of the fire, you are legally responsible and can be charged with the murder of that person,” Miller said. “If they were active participants, or they were co-conspirators, they could be… result in having criminal charges, with respect to what they did, including a first-degree murder charge.”
Slate’s criminal history includes at least three arrests since July 2025. He has been on court supervision since October after pleading guilty to retail theft. Another warrant was issued after a failure to appear in court on new charges of theft and possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
A document shows Slate was ordered to stay away from Nordstrom in the wake of those charges.
Friday morning a procession honored Altman as his body was moved from the medical examiner’s office to a funeral home ahead of services next week.
Chicago firefighters and community members lined the streets to honor Altman as a procession continued to Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn. An honor arch was seen outside the funeral home.
Altman died on Tuesday, one day after battling an apartment fire in Rogers Park.
Around 100 firefighters responded to the fire at a four-story apartment building just before 11:30 a.m. Monday. Officials said Altman, 32, fell from the first floor to the basement and was rescued within one minute.
A Chicago Fire Department spokesman said the Altman was taken to Stroger Hospital of Cook County in serious-to-critical condition on Monday. Sources said he suffered extensive burns all over his body, including second- and third-degree burns. He later died from his injuries. There are now memorials outside the fire station where he worked and at the scene of the fire.
Altman was on the job for nearly two years and was a fourth-generation member of the CFD. His grandfather, Edward P. Altman Jr., served as fire commissioner from 1996 to 1999. The senior Altman died in 2020.
Altman was on the job for nearly two years. He leaves behind a pregnant wife and a young child.
Visitation and Funeral for Michael Altman Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel 7740 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60620
Funeral
Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10 a.m. St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel 7740 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60620
Full statement from CPD Supt. Larry Snelling On behalf of the Chicago Police Department, our deepest condolences are with the family of Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman and the entire Chicago Fire Department. The loss of Firefighter Altman, who was a hero until the very end, is a profound loss for those who knew him and our entire city.
Thank you to every firefighter, police officer and detective who responded to the fire and worked to bring a swift resolution in this investigation. We also want to thank our partners at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and the ATF Chicago Field Division for their partnership in this case.
Although we are proud of the tremendous work done to hold this offender accountable, we ask that the focus not be on who is responsible for Firefighter Altman’s death, but rather on his heroic life and his loved ones who will live with this grief forever.
We will stand alongside our brothers and sisters at CFD as they carry on the legacy of a beloved father, husband, son and brother.
Full Satement from the Chicago Fire Department This has been an incredibly difficult week for the family of Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman and our family here at the Chicago Fire Department. We are thankful for all the support we have received as we continue to support the Altman family and prepare to lay our hero to rest.
We are immensely grateful for the tireless and collaborative efforts of the Chicago Police Department, Area 3 Detectives, Arson Detectives, the Chicago Fire Department’s Office of Fire Investigation, the ATF Chicago office, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Chicago Buildings Department for their outstanding work on this case and in bringing accountability to this tragic incident. Through their diligence an individual has been charged with first-degree murder.
While no outcome can undo the devastating loss the Altman family, his CFD family, friends and the city have suffered, this development is an important step toward justice.
Firefighter Altman was a hero each time he put on the CFD uniform and each time he ran toward a fire to save lives. He was also a hero to his family, including his wife Nora, who is expecting their second child soon, and their young son. It is heartbreaking to know these children will now grow up without their father, but we promise to always be there for them and remind them that they are surrounded by their family here at the fire department.
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