By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun
The El Sereno Avenue home in Pasadena where two men died in a Nov. 1 explosion and fire was under investigation by city officials over allegations of illegal construction and substandard living conditions that date back to 2003, according to city records.
At the time of the fire, 20 men were renting rooms in the duplex at 1385 El Sereno Ave.
Paul Richard Boyd, 75, and Cliff Juan Clark, 56, died in the blaze. Perry Simons suffered “severe respiratory distress” and minor burns to his face and limbs, according to Pasadena Fire Department documents. Sixteen others escaped.
Tenant Garth Allen Robbins, 49, has been charged by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office with intentionally setting the fire. Robbins pleaded not guilty on Nov. 10 to murder, attempted murder and arson. Prosecutors say they may seek the death penalty.
Jeanette Broussard, a 73-year-old Altadena resident who has owned the house since 1991, declined to comment.
