Bridgeport, Chicago — A quiet neighborhood is reeling from a devastating incident that unfolded nearly a week ago, when Charnette Walker, 54, perished in a fire ignited by a homemade explosive. The tragedy not only claimed Walker’s life but left her 12-year-song granddaughter with severe injuries.
Walker was inside her Bridgeport rowhouse when the device detonated early on June 15. Following the blast, her Washington Heights boyfriend, Cordale Nichols, was apprehended and faces charges including murder and attempted murder, targeting Walker’s daughter — his girlfriend. Nichols is currently held pending trial, as ordered by a Cook County judge.
The incident was first noticed by 16-year-old Jacore Anders, a neighbor who spotted the fire from across the street. Recalling the harrowing moments, Anders said he heard the shattering of glass followed almost immediately by the sight of intense flames. He, along with his father and other neighbors, rushed to aid Walker’s granddaughter, helping her escape from the second story of the burning building. Unfortunately, Walker, who was awaiting a knee surgery that limited her mobility, could not be rescued in time.
“I feel sad because we couldn’t get her out,” Anders said, reflecting on the tragic efforts to save Walker.
The community gathered on the south side of the rowhouse on the following Friday to pay tribute to Walker, remembering her as a loving and vibrant spirit who was deeply rooted in her faith. The steps of her home were adorned with prayer candles, balloons, photos, and a stuffed rabbit — all embellished with rhinestones, a testament to her playful and creative nature.
Victoria Steffens, Walker’s neighbor, reminisced about how Walker loved to personalize her belongings. “She was always asking for glue sticks,” Steffens said, smiling at the memories of Walker’s crafty endeavors.
Walker, a fan of motorcycles and roller-skating, had put a pause on her skating due to her knee condition. Nevertheless, she maintained her spirit of celebration, decorating her yard for every conceivable holiday, a practice that endeared her to everyone in the neighborhood.
Her daughter Charquandra Walker, emotionally battered by the recent events, shared that her mother was her best friend. While she mostly refrained from commenting in depth, she expressed her deep bond with her mother and her commitment to staying by her injured daughter’s side in the hospital.
At the memorial, where people shared stories and memories, Walker’s enthusiasm for birthdays was particularly noted by her mother, Velma Walker. “Her birthday was in February, she’d start getting ready in January,” Velander recollected, reflecting the joy Walker found in life’s celebrations.
Neighbors and friends spoke of Walker’s penchant for the Adidas brand, her active participation in church choirs, and her love for organizing community events, like a prayer breakfast she recently attended. Lily Love, a friend, recalled Walker’s rejuvenated spirit after prayer, saying, “After she finished praying she told me she felt like a brand new panel.”
Diane Hughes, another longtime friend, sported a pair of blinged-out Crocs that Walker had personally decorated, epitomizing the unique and loving touch she brought to her friendships. They often explored new dining spots around Chicago, enjoying the city’s vibrant food scene together.
As daylight dimmed, Anders and his mother Tamika discussed the emergency response to the fire. Tamika lamented the slow arrival of emergency services, which she felt might have cost Walker a better chance at survival. Despite the tragic circumstances, Walker’s last thoughts were for her granddaughter, urging those around her to ensure her safety first.
The community, bound by grief and shared memories, remains united, drawing strength from each other and the indomitable spirit of Charnette Walker, whose legacy continues to inspire and resonate within the hearts of all who knew her.