Man charged in torching of homeless woman pleads not guilty

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A man suspected of setting a homeless woman on fire in Van Nuys pleaded not guilty Monday after being arraigned on charges of attempted murder and mayhem, a prosecutor said.

Dennis Petillo, 24, of Van Nuys is accused of dousing the homeless woman with rubbing alcohol while she slept on a bus bench and setting her ablaze early Thursday near Van Nuys Boulevard and Sherman Way.

Police have not released the victim’s name, but residents said she is Flo Parker, 67, also known as Violet. The 5-foot-tall Parker was a familiar presence in the area.

The victim remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition, according to a statement released by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

Authorities believe Petillo is mentally ill and said there appeared to be no motive in the “horrific� attack. Since 2008, Petillo has twice pleaded guilty to charges related to vehicle theft. The second time, he was sentenced to two years in prison.

If convicted, Petillo faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, prosecutors said. Deputy Dist. Atty. Sean Carney said Petillo’s next hearing will be in mid-January.

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-- Richard Winton, Adolfo Flores and Matt Stevens