Los Angeles: On Wednesday, November 28, 2001, at approximately 2:45 a.m., a structural fire was reported at a residence located on the 2400 block of south Cochran Avenue. Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters responded to the location and extinguished the fire. A 72 year-old Caucasian male was discovered inside the burned residence. Responding paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene.

**UPDATE**

On Thursday, November 29, 2001 at approximately 1:30 a.m., the Los Angeles Police Department’s Criminal Conspiracy Section Detectives served search warrants at a neighboring residence owned by Clemetha Marie Dillard, age 76. A search of Dillard’s residence revealed evidence that connected Clemetha Marie Dillard and her son, Anthony Dillard, age 51, to the Arson fire.

Both mother and son were subsequently arrested and booked for murder.

Clemetha Marie Dillard is the owner of the burned property that contained the dead male found inside and was also the caregiver of the deceased victim.

The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.

Anyone with information regarding this incident can call Los Angeles Police Department, Criminal Conspiracy Section detectives at 213-473-7474, during business hours. On weekends and during off-hours, please call our 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.