The Region - News from Feb. 14, 1985

A board-and-care home resident who allegedly set a fire that killed four elderly women at the facility was charged with four counts of murder. Walter Evans Jr., 34, who police said suffers from a mental disorder, also was charged with special circumstances--including multiple murders--that would mean a possible death penalty if he is convicted. A motive for the fire at the home in South Los Angeles last Saturday has not been established. Two of the victims, who died of smoke inhalation, have been positively identified as Lillie Drake, 91, and Willa Johnson, 87. The other two victims, whose bodies were burned almost beyond recognition, have been tentatively identified as Vertice Cameron, 83, and Cherry Brooks, 90. Another resident, Marian Martin, was hospitalized with critical injuries, and three other women escaped unharmed. Evans is being held without bail.