A man accused of intentionally setting a fire that fatally injured a 43-year-old Coachella woman must stand trial for first-degree murder and other charges, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Richard Michael Carmona, 41, was arrested in December following an extensive investigation into the alleged arson attack that killed Arlene Danielle Avila.

At the end of a preliminary hearing at the Larson Justice Center in Indio Tuesday, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Randolph Rogers found there was sufficient evidence to bound Carmona over for trial on the murder count and a special circumstance allegation of causing death by arson.

The judge scheduled a post-preliminary hearing arraignment for Oct. 8. Carmona is being held without bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.

According to sher

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