Elderly woman killed in apartment fire is identified

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A 97-year-old woman whose death in an apartment fire in Ladera Heights is being investigated by sheriff’s homicide detectives has been identified, authorities said Sunday.

The woman was identified as Brunetta Rhoden, said coroner’s Investigator Dana Bee. The fire was reported about 10:50 p.m. Friday in a two-story apartment building at 6721 Springpark Ave., said Cheryl Sims, a supervising fire dispatcher for the L.A. County Fire Department.

The fire, which was contained to the second floor, is being investigated as arson, Sims said.

Rhoden suffered smoke inhalation and second- and third-degree burns, Bee said. She was taken to Centinela Hospital Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

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