Man Charged With Killing Girlfriend, Setting House On Fire

A murder charge was filed today against a Sun City parolee accused of killing his girlfriend, whose body was found in her burned-out mobile home off the Highway 74 in the unincorporated areas of Green Acres.

David James Lillard, 51, was arrested Friday in connection with the death of 50-year-old Autumn Kissinger, whose remains were discovered the previous day by firefighters after they knocked down a blaze that destroyed her residence at 33600 El Centro Lane. The cause of death has not been determined.

Lillard, who's also charged with one felony count each of arson and burglary, is scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 20 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta.

Riverside County District Attorney's Office spokesman John Hall said Lillard and Kissinger were dating.

Sheriff's officials did not disclose what evidence allegedly links Lillard to Kissinger's death.

According to court records, Lillard has prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, battery and failure to register as a sex offender.

Lillard is being held without bail at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.--City News Service