Overview
- Jovan Lamar Duverne, 39, was charged with two counts of murder and 11 felony arson counts, with arraignment set Wednesday and no bail granted.
- Prosecutors allege he set fires at 10 Hollywood locations between Jan. 26 and Feb. 4 using a handheld torch-style lighter, igniting rubbish and attempting to enter buildings.
- A Feb. 4 fire at 1760 N Vista Del Mar Avenue killed 76-year-old Maria Del Consuelo Alarcon-Valdez and her sister, 82-year-old Yolanda Honda.
- Authorities say Duverne was arrested later on Feb. 4 near Hollywood Boulevard and Wilton Place.
- The investigation involves the DA’s Arson and Explosives Section, LAPD Robbery-Homicide, and LAFD Arson Counter Terrorism, with motive undisclosed and a death penalty decision pending.