Father Charged With Murder in Boy’s Death

A 29-year-old man whose alleged attack on his estranged wife started a blaze that killed the couple’s 4-year-old son was charged Thursday with murder, attempted murder, torture, arson and burglary, the district attorney said.

If convicted, Duane West--who also spells his name Dwayne--could face the death penalty for the attack, in which he allegedly set his wife’s hair on fire at her Granada Hills townhouse Monday. Prosecutors said he left his son, Marquise Diantae McDonald, in the burning house as he chased his 32-year-old wife, who suffered minor injuries.

The boy died Tuesday. West is at a hospital recovering from burns.