Homicide Report > Times coverage: Man pleads guilty to torture, arson in killing of homeless man
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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Two reader comments
What a ghastly way to kill someone.
And now Mr. martin will think about it the remainder of his life ... a totally useless killing.
March 30, 2010 at 2:55 p.m.
There's a special place in hell reserved for Ben Matthew Martin.
Oct. 29, 2010 at 5:04 p.m.
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