Two Sisters Killed After Fire Set at Hollywood Home

Maria Del Consuelo Alarcon-Valdez, 76, and Yolanda Honda, 82, died after a fire broke out at their Hollywood home on February 4th, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Firefighters responded to the residence during the overnight hours and discovered the two women inside, authorities said. Both were pronounced dead following the blaze.

Officials later identified the victims as sisters who shared the home. The Los Angeles Fire Department determined the fire was intentionally set, according to NBC Los Angeles. Investigators classified the case as arson after examining the scene.

Suspect Charged With Murder

Prosecutors have charged Jovan Lamar Duverne, age 39, with murder in connection with the sisters’ deaths, ABC7 reported. Authorities allege that Duverne set the fire that led to the fatal blaze. He was taken into custody following the investigation, according to NBC Los Angeles.

Duverne has not been convicted of the charges. The case will proceed through the Los Angeles County court system. Officials have not announced a trial date in the reporting available.

Authorities Cite Broader Arson Spree

Prosecutors said the Hollywood fire was one of several intentionally set blazes in the area, ABC7 reported. Investigators linked Duverne to multiple fires during the same time period. Authorities have not released full details about the additional incidents.

Law enforcement officials stated that the broader investigation examined a pattern of suspicious fires. Charges related to other fires were not fully detailed in the available reporting. The murder counts stem from the deaths of Alarcon-Valdez and Honda.

Longtime Home Targeted

The sisters lived together in the Hollywood home where the fire occurred, NBC Los Angeles reported. Officials described the property as a single-family residence in a residential neighborhood. Authorities have not indicated that other occupants were inside at the time of the blaze.

Investigators have not publicly discussed a possible motive. Prosecutors continue to pursue the case as it moves through court. Further hearings are expected as the legal process continues.

References: Serial arson suspect charged with murder in Hollywood house fire that killed 2 elderly sisters | Hollywood arson fires: Sisters killed, suspect charged with murder