Deadly Arson Suspect Linked to 14 Fires in Hollywood

A series of arson incidents in a Hollywood neighborhood led to a tragic house fire that killed sisters Maria "Chelo" Vazquez, 76, and Yolanda "Yola" Honda, 82. The fires, which began small with burning bus benches and mattresses, escalated until Vazquez's home was engulfed in flames on February 4. Vazquez, recovering from hip surgery, and her sister Honda, who was assisting her, both perished. Authorities allege Jovan Duverne, 39, is responsible for this fatal fire and 13 other blazes, initiating an alleged arson spree starting January 26. Duverne has a history of arson, with a prior conviction in 2015 for setting fire to city property. He is currently facing two murder charges and 16 arson charges across two separate cases. The sisters' family is seeking to cover funeral expenses through crowdfunding, remembering their multi-generational home as a symbol of their "American dream."