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Times coverage: Man pleads guilty to torture, arson in killing of homeless man

Ben Matthew Martin, a 31-year old white man, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of first-degree murder, torture and arson causing great bodily injury to John McGraham, a 55-year-old white homeless man.

On the evening of Oct. 9, 2008, Martin approached McGraham, doused him with gasoline, then used a road flare to set the victim on fire, according to prosecutors. Martin was arrested in connection with the killing a little more than three months later.

Shelby Grad has more on the case on L.A. Now: Martin's arrest and conviction.

Photo: John Robert McGraham, seen in 2006, was doused with gasoline and burned to death Oct. 9 near 3rd and Berendo streets in the Mid-Wilshire area. Credit: Los Angeles Times

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