A man who died in an explosion and fire at a Cicero apartment in January was found responsible for setting off the blast, officials said Saturday.
The 31-year-old was identified as Anthony Avila-Puebla, who had a relationship with someone living in a unit in the 2200 block of South Central Avenue where an explosion and fire were reported around 5 p.m. Feb. 15, a Cicero spokesperson said.
The home’s occupant was gone that day, Avila-Puebla was seen on surveillance video parking his car half a block from the home and carrying jugs of flammable liquid inside, officials said.
The explosion happened shortly after Avila-Puebla entered the home a third time with the jugs, and he was not seen exiting the residence, officials said.
A motive for the incident remains unknown, officials said. Cicero police are investigating.