Cliff Juan Clark, 56

Cliff Juan Clark, a 56-year-old black man, died Thursday, Nov. 1, in the 1300 block of El Sereno Avenue in Pasadena, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Clark died from smoke inhalation after a fire broke out at an unlicensed boarding house where he was staying.

Sixteen residents escaped the fire. The property, which was zoned for single-family use, was apparently operating as a boarding house in violation of local codes, according to officials.

Soon after the incident, Garth Allen Robbins, a resident at the home, was charged with murder and 15 counts of attempted murder. He is suspected of starting the fatal fire.

Robbins, a 49-year-old white man, is currently being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 14 at the Pasadena Superior Court.

Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times