A man accused of setting a beloved homeless man on fire two years ago has pleaded guilty to the crimes, prosecutors say. Ben Matthew Martin, 31, pleaded guilty to one count each of first-degree murder, torture and arson causing great bodily injury to John McGraham.

Authorities said Martin, a onetime barber, poured gasoline on the homeless man and then used a road flare to set him on fire.

L.A. police arrested Martin in Riverside County. He was connected to the 2008 slaying in the Mid-Wilshire area by eyewitnesses and DNA at the scene of the crime. Martin left a red plastic gasoline can behind at 3rd and Berendo streets.

Authorities said the motive was unclear, but sources said the unemployed barber had previously voiced his dislike of the homeless in the area.

McGraham was a well-known fixture in the neighborhood.