NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) A 50-year-old New Haven man has been charged with murder and arson after police determined that his 56-year-old friend died before a fire that consumed his apartment in January.

Demetrius Robinson is being held in lieu of a $1 million bond. He is due back in court on May 19.

Police say they originally believed the victim, Willie Evans, died of smoke inhalation. The state medical examiner ruled the case a homicide after finding Evans was strangled.

The Jan. 23 fire was contained to Evans apartment on Warren Street.

Police say Robison served 15 years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter in an unrelated homicide in New York.