Woman charged with murder after setting house fire in Exposition Park that killed two
LOS ANGELES (FOX 11) - A woman has been charged with murder for allegedly setting a fire at a boarding home in Exposition Park.
The blaze, which broke out August 22nd at a home near Leighton and Vermont avenues, killed a caretaker and her brother.
The suspect has been identified as 24-year-old Khala Swasey, officers say she is a former resident of the home.
Capt. William Hayes with the Los Angeles Police Department said Swasey was arrested Tuesday in Pasadena.
“There was a dispute where she had been locked out of the residence, and she was frustrated she wasn’t allowed back in and ignited the fire after she broke into the residence, to prove a point” said Capt. Hayes during a press conference Thursday.
Related: 2 caretakers killed in Exposition Park house fire
The murder charges include the special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and murder during the commission of an arson, opening her to a possible death sentence. Prosecutors will decide later whether to seek the death penalty.
George Harris, 66 and Yolanda McGruder, 53, died at the hospital after being pulled from the burning house by firefighters.
It took 53 firefighters over 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze.
They say it is possible the home didn’t have any working smoke detectors.
CNS contributed to this report