Jose Guzman / Photo from Chicago Police
Jose Guzman has been charged for his alleged role in a home invasion and arson that left two people dead last Thursday in the West Elsdon community.
Guzman, 20, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, home invasion causing great bodily harm, aggravated arson causing bodily harm and one count of robbery armed with a dangerous weapon, police said.
On Thursday, Emergency crews found 22-year-old Carlos Herrera and 49-year-old Maria Herrera inside their home in the 3600 block of West 55th Place about 2:50 p.m., authorities said.
The blaze was initially reported as an explosion, but investigators later learned there was only a fire, according to a source.
Police claim Guzman entered the home and set a couch on fire before he left.
An autopsy determined Carlos Herrera died of multiple stab wounds and his death was ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Autopsy results for Maria Herrera were inconclusive pending further investigation, according to the medical examiner’s office.
Guzman, of the 3800 block of West 55th Place, was taken into custody after detectives determined he was responsible for the deaths, police said.
He is scheduled to appear in court Sunday for a bond hearing.