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Families Mourning After 3 Girls, 1 Man Die in South Chicago Fire

CHICAGO (CBS) -- It's an emotional gathering tonight with dozens comforting the mother of three girls killed in a fire in South Chicago early Tuesday morning. Her words, almost swallowed by her grief.

"They were happy and smart," said Kyra Smith, the young girls' mother said, "loving, well-mannered, had a thrill for life," one of the victims' father, Shawn Staples said.

Staples' daughter, Shaniyah Staples, and her half-sisters, 4-year-old Madison Watson and 3-month-old Melanie Watson- and another man- died after flames engulfed a 3 -story courtyard building.

So this resident survived, by jumping.

"The fire was coming up...jumped out," he said.

Resident Latoya Terry says she knows who did it. Terry thinks the arson may be the result of a dispute over $10 with a neighbor. She slammed the door in his face.

"He began to punch and kick...on fire," Terry said.

That suspect is now being questioned by police.  His brother says he didn't do it.

"He's not that type of guy," the man's brother said.

Meanwhile, Chicago Fire Department officials believe an accelerant was used.

The suspect is still being questioned by Chicago Police, yet no charges have been fled.

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