The Cicero Police Department, in collaboration with the Cook County Medical Examiner’s (ME) Office, has identified the remains found in the house explosion as 31-year-old Cicero resident Anthony Avila-Puebla. On February 15, 2025, at approximately 4:52pm, officers responded to a house explosion at 2214 South Central Avenue, Cicero, Illinois.  Once the fire was extinguished, the remains of Avila-Puebla were discovered in the debris. During the investigation, Detectives determined that Avila-Puebla had a relationship with a family member living at the residence where the explosion occurred.  While the family member attended a wedding, Avila-Puebla was seen on video parking his vehicle a half a block from the house, removing a 5-gallon jug, and entering the building.  He was then seen exiting with the same jug empty, returning to his vehicle.  He was observed on two additional occasions removing multiple jugs from his vehicle and entering the building.  Shortly after, an explosion occurred, and Avila-Puebla was not seen exiting. A thorough investigation revealed that the jugs contained a flammable liquid, and Avila-Puebla was determined to be responsible for the explosion. The motive for the explosion remains unknown at this time, and the investigation is still ongoing. Superintendent Thomas P. Boyle expressed his gratitude to the Detectives for their dedication in determining the cause of the explosion, as well as to the Cicero Fire Department, neighboring Fire Departments and the ME’s Office for their assistance.

Photo Credit: Town of Cicero