> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Man charged with murder, arson after LA music studio fire
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/man-charged-with-murder-arson-after-la-music-studio-fire/
- Published: 2018-04-18T12:00:15.000Z
- Updated: 2024-12-04T14:02:44.000Z
- Author: Associated Press
- Tags: Community, ap, associated press, Los Angeles, santa monica daily press, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2025-11-06 12:50

A California man has been charged with murder, attempted murder and arson after a fatal fire at a music studio that killed two people.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office says Efrem Demery is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday.

Police said he had been arguing with 28-year-old Devaughn Carter and 30-year-old Michael Pollard hours before Saturday morning's fire. Investigators suspect Demery filled up a gasoline container across the street from the studio and then went inside, spread the gas and lit it ablaze.

Carter and Pollard died in the fire. Two other people — a man in his 20s and a 15-year-old girl — were critically injured.

Prosecutors say they haven't yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.

A telephone number listed for Demery rang unanswered Tuesday.

Associated Press