The Region - News from Aug. 7, 1985

Hollywood homicide detectives, acting on a tip, arrested Bill Joseph, 27, an unemployed plumber’s helper, for attempted murder in the July 29 robbery at the Sunset Lodge Motel, 6700 Sunset Blvd., during which 23-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Michael Fitts was bound, gagged, doused with lighter fluid and set ablaze. Detectives Rick Swanston and Ron Ito found Joseph hiding under a bed at the French Cottage Motel, 6757 Sunset Blvd. He offered no resistance. Fitts, who had been on leave when the attack occurred, suffered second-degree burns on his upper body and is now recovering at Camp Pendleton.