Serial arsonist charged with murder after Hollywood house fire kills two sisters

Arsonist charged with murder

An arsonist is facing murder charges after a house fire killed two sisters in Hollywood. 

LOS ANGELES - A serial arsonist was charged with murder after a house fire in Hollywood killed two elderly sisters. 

What we know:

Jovan Lamar Duverne, 39, is charged with two counts of murder and 11 counts of felony arson. He faces a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders, as well as sentence enhancements related to a prior arson conviction, including a second-strike allegation, according to a statement from the LA County DA's office. 

Between Jan. 26 and Feb. 4, 2026, Duverne allegedly set fires at 10 different locations in Hollywood. A handheld torch-style lighter was used in all incidents. According to the DA's office, he allegedly walked between locations lighting rubbish and attempting to enter buildings.

On Feb. 4, around 2 a.m., Duverne allegedly set fire to the home of Maria Del Consuelo Alarcon-Valdez, 76, and Yolanda Honda, 82. 

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He was arrested later that day near Hollywood Boulevard and Wilton Place.

What's next:

If convicted as charged, he faces up to death or life in state prison without the possibility of parole. A decision on the death penalty will be made at a later date.

Duverne is being held without bail.