A 39-year-old man accused of setting fires in Hollywood, including one that killed two senior sisters, has been charged with murder and felony arson.

Jovan Lamar Duverne faces two counts of murder and 11 counts of felony arson in connection with the series of fires in January and February. Prosecutors filed a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders and sentence enhancements related to a previous arson conviction, including a second-strike allegation.

Sentencing enhancements can elevate charges and increase a defendant’s penalties, if convicted.

Arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom. He is being held without bond.

According to prosecutors, Duverne is accused of setting fires between Jan. 26 and Feb. 4 at 10 locations in Hollywood. A handheld torch-style lighter was used to light rubbish on fire, authorities said.

On Feb. 4, a fire was reported at about 2 a.m. at a home where two sisters lived. Maria Del Consuelo Alarcon-Valdez, 76, and Yolanda Honda, 82, were killed the arson fires, authorities said.

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

Another person was hospitalized after being rescued from the burning home. Camilla Rambaldi reports for the NBC4 News at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

If convicted on all charges, Duverne could face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. A decision on the death penalty will be made later, prosecutors said.

“Setting fires anywhere is reckless and extraordinarily dangerous, but deliberately igniting multiple fires in a residential community shows a shocking disregard for human life,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “We allege this defendant went on a dangerous arson spree across Hollywood that ultimately claimed the lives of two elderly sisters inside their home. Our hearts are with their loved ones as they mourn this devastating loss. When someone sets fires that endanger lives and destroy a community’s sense of safety, my office will pursue the most serious charges available and seek justice for the victims.”

It was not immediately clear whether Duverne has an attorney who could speak on his behalf.