The Fire

At about 3:45 AM on February 1, 1985, a fire was started at 2847 N Milwaukee Avenue. In the fire, three firefighters, Capt. Daniel Nockels, Michael Forchione, and Michael Talley were killed when the building's roof collapsed. The fire is believed to have been started by Suk Joong Kim, at the behest of Jang Bae, owner of a failing electronics store within the building. Jang Bae was convicted of arson and murder, and is spending the remainder of his life in prison. The court ruled that Kim's confession was obtained illegally, and charges against him were dropped.