West Englewood fire deaths ruled homicides; loved ones, neighbors mourn

Family and neighbors are mourning four people killed in a home fire Wednesday in West Englewood.

The fire is being investigated as arson, and medical examiners on Thursday ruled the deaths are homicides.

Autopsies performed Thursday by the Cook County medical examiner’s office determined all four died from burns and carbon monoxide poisoning: 8-year-old Royalty Ratler, her 15-year-old brother, and their foster parents, Reginald Lee Wilson and Lisa Brown, both 57.

Two other people also were injured and remain in critical condition, officials said.

The blaze erupted early Wednesday in a house in the 6200 block of South Paulina, where all four victims lived. It also spread to the house next door. Next to that was David Williams’ home, which was spared. Williams said he had a close relationship with the parents as well as the many foster children who had lived in their home.

“They was good people,” said Williams, 63. “The kids came over here regularly, and my wife always gave them toys and stuff. You know, all kinds of things.”

Joseph Williams, who represents the 7th District on the Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability, visited the community Thursday to offer support.

“All we can do is pray for the family,” Williams said. “A lot of folks are concerned and riding past the house today to kind of like show that they are here for support.”

Tamika Smith, Brown’s cousin, called her a “good-hearted” mother and parent mentor at a local school. She said Brown had three biological children, as well as the foster children she cared for.

“Lisa was a person whose smile would brighten up a whole room,” Smith said. “Lisa would tell funny jokes and stuff. Lisa was a nice person.”

Smith described feeling “depressed” and “very hurt inside” over the loss of her cousin.

“They took my cousin’s life for nothing, and all she tried to do was be a good parent to her foster children.”