Arson Suspect Faces Murder Charges Following Tragic Hollywood Fire That Claimed Two Sisters
Hollywood Arsonist Charged with Murder Following Fatal Fire
A serial arsonist has been charged with murder after a house fire in Hollywood claimed the lives of two elderly sisters. Jovan Lamar Duverne, 39, now faces two counts of murder alongside 11 counts of felony arson.
Authorities allege that Duverne set fires at ten different locations within Hollywood during a span from January 26 to February 4, 2026. Utilizing a handheld torch-style lighter, he reportedly ignited rubbish and attempted to enter buildings. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, he was observed moving between locations, starting fires.
The incident in question occurred on February 4 around 2 a.m., when Duverne allegedly set fire to the home of 76-year-old Maria Del Consuelo Alarcon-Valdez and her 82-year-old sister, Yolanda Honda. Their home suffered devastating damage, resulting in their tragic deaths.
Duverne was arrested later that day near the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Wilton Place. His charges include a special circumstance allegation for multiple murders, along with sentence enhancements due to a previous arson conviction.
If convicted, Duverne faces the possibility of life imprisonment without parole or potentially the death penalty. A decision regarding the death penalty is still pending. He is currently being held without bail as the case progresses.
