The man authorities believe was responsible for a devastating condominium fire in Des Plaines, Illinois, has died from injuries he suffered in the blaze, though investigators say the case remains active.
According to the Des Plaines Police Department, 36-year-old Taner Bayramli died on May 21 from injuries related to the fire that tore through a condominium building in the 1200 block of Harding Avenue. The blaze erupted at approximately 1 a.m. on May 6 and caused catastrophic damage to the property.
Police said Bayramli lived on the third floor of the building and had been identified as a person of interest during the investigation. Although no criminal charges were filed before his death, investigators said they had gathered substantial evidence linking him to the fire.
Authorities said surveillance footage and forensic evidence allegedly show Bayramli purchasing a gasoline container and gasoline from a nearby service station shortly before the incident. Investigators also claim video footage captured him spreading gasoline throughout the building’s hallway and stairwell before the fire broke out.
The flames quickly engulfed the condominium building, causing the stairwell to collapse and trapping several residents inside. Emergency crews responded to the scene and rescued occupants as firefighters battled the intense blaze.
Officials said seven people, including four children, were transported to local hospitals after a reported explosion associated with the fire. While all survived, the fire completely destroyed the condominium building, leaving numerous families without homes.
Despite Bayramli’s death, Des Plaines Police Chief David Anderson said investigators are not closing the case.
“We are not closing the investigation,” Anderson said, explaining that detectives are still waiting for electronic evidence that has been subpoenaed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police also revealed that several residents had reported Bayramli behaving erratically in the days leading up to the fire. Investigators further noted that he had recently removed several valuable personal belongings, including his passport, from his apartment before the incident, a detail they consider significant to the investigation.
Authorities stated that had Bayramli survived his injuries, detectives intended to present their findings to the state’s attorney’s office for possible criminal charges.
Meanwhile, Bayramli’s family has announced plans to file a lawsuit against the owners of the condominium building. Their attorney maintains that Bayramli was not responsible for the fire and continues to assert his innocence despite the evidence cited by investigators.
Police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue reviewing forensic findings and awaiting additional electronic evidence to complete the case.
