The Attorney General's Office alleges that Clements has violated his probation on two prior convictions. In November 2003, he pleaded no contest to forgery, counterfeiting and conspiracy in Kent County, according to Healey. He was sentenced to six years, with three years to serve and three years suspended with probation, Healey said.

While serving that sentence, Clements escaped in 2004 from a work-release program, Healey said. He was later convicted of escape and sentenced to two years in prison with six months to serve and 18 months suspended with probation, Healey said.

"Given the gravity of the most recent allegations," prosecutors will ask Magistrate William J. McAtee to find that Clements has violated probation on both prior convictions and order him to serve the suspended portions of the sentences for a total of 4 ½ years, Healey said.

Jesus, who lived in the tenement, and Sousa, who was visiting, were both found dead on the floor of the living room of Jesus’ four-room third-floor apartment.

Dr. Thomas Gilson, Rhode Island chief state medical examiner, said Jesus died of “sharp-force injuries and asphyxia due to neck and chest compression,” and that Sousa died of “multiple blunt impact and sharp-force injuries.”

Police Major Stephen Campbell has said the fire was set deliberately to destroy evidence and that the blaze began in the living room, where the bodies were found. Both victims were attacked prior to the fire, he has said.