Man charged with murder following allegedly intentional fire that killed his 3 roommates

The Los Angeles County District Attorney announced a handful of charges against a Temple City man accused of intentionally setting a fire that killed three of his roommates last Sunday. 

Xuanhuan Zhang, 64, faces three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder for the destructive fire. Prosecutors added special allegations that Zhuang lied in wait, engaging in the commission of the crime of arson and multiple murders. If convicted as charged, Zhuang faces a maximum sentence of life without parole. 

"Our thoughts are with the victims' loved ones who are now grappling with this profound loss. No words can express the sorrow felt in our community over this senseless act," said District Attorney George Gascón.   

The fire started at around 5 p.m. at a home in the 600 block of Sultana Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Neighbors described the scene as chaotic as deputies ran out of the house with some of the residents. 

"I was just inside my house and I heard some screaming and wailing," said Jane Guzman de Leon. "It was kinda wrong, it sounded weird so I went out to check it out and I saw the house from the inside totally in flames. Fire coming out of the windows, black smoke coming off of the top and so I just called 911."

Once firefighters extinguished the flames they found three dead victims inside of the charred remains of the home. Crews treated two of Zhang's roommates at the scene and took them to a local hospital. 

"Our Arson and Explosives Unit prosecutors will work diligently to hold the offender accountable for his actions," Gascón said. "The office's Bureau of Victim Services is available to assist the victims and their families with trauma-informed resources during their time of need."  

Zhang's arraignment was scheduled for Wednesday.