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Hollywood Arson Suspect Charged With Two Murders, 11 Arsons After Deadly Fire Spree

A downtown Los Angeles arraignment is set as he remains held without bail.

Overview

  • Los Angeles County prosecutors charged Jovan Lamar Duverne, 39, with two counts of murder and 11 felony arson counts tied to a series of Hollywood fires.
  • Authorities allege he set fires at 10 locations between Jan. 26 and Feb. 4 using a handheld torch-style lighter, lighting rubbish and attempting to enter buildings.
  • The Feb. 4 blaze at 1760 N Vista Del Mar Avenue killed sisters Maria de Consuelo Alarcon, 76, and Yolanda Honda, 82, according to officials.
  • Duverne was arrested later on Feb. 4 near Hollywood Boulevard and Wilton Place and is being held without bond, with arraignment scheduled Wednesday in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom.
  • Prosecutors filed a special-circumstance multiple-murder allegation and prior-conviction enhancements, which could bring life without parole or a possible death sentence, with a decision on pursuing death to be made later; no motive has been disclosed.