This past Sunday, Hernando Sun reported on the Lake Lindsey United Methodist church fire. We spoke to Rhonda Lillie, a member of the church who was surprised by the turn of events. We also spoke with Chis Sloane Battalion Chief of Hernando County Fire Rescue who stated that there was no structural damage suffered, just smoke and water damage. He also said that the ATF and State Fire Marshal are investigating the incident. It turns out that investigators identified the incident as arson and a suspect is awaiting arrest.
The weekend arrest report indicated that an arrest for arson took place on Sunday giving a time of 10:19 am corresponding with the church fire incident. On Tuesday June 16, Hernando Sun inquired of the Sheriff’s Department if the arson incident was connected to Lake Lindsey United Methodist Church. They did not release any information since it was an active investigation. We followed up with a request for the name of the person arrested, age and location for the arson incident. The following information was released from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Department earlier today, June 17.
“On 06-14-15 at approximately 10:15 a.m., Hernando County deputies and Hernando County Fire/Rescue were dispatched to the Lake Lindsey Methodist Church located at 22400 Lake Lindsey Road in Brooksville regarding a Commercial Structure Fire.
Upon arrival, units discovered that multiple separate fires had been set within two buildings at the church. It was also discovered that a wedding had been scheduled for later in the afternoon and a portion of the church, the gathering hall, had been pre-set with table settings and wedding decorations.
Investigators determined that specific areas were lit, possibly indicating a preference or anger targeted at the bride’s side of the event.
Investigators working together from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the Fire Marshal’s Office, and the ATF quickly developed a “person of interest” in the arson.
David Willmott Jr. W/M DOB/05-14-1991, who is a trustee of the church, was the first to arrive on scene when the fire was reported. Willmott also has a history of calling in bomb threats to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. Several investigative leads including Willmott’s proximity to the fire, combined with his past behavior, led investigators in his direction.
On 06-16-15, Detective Royce Leggett (HCSO) conducted an interview with Willmott. Post Miranda, Willmott admitted to starting the fires at the Lake Lindsey Methodist Church. No clear motive could be determined. Willmott provided specific details regarding the crime scene, verifying the credibility of his confession.
A warrant is forthcoming for the arrest of Willmott.”
After much scrambling, the wedding took place at Eden Baptist Church on Sunday, just down the road from Lake Lindsey United Methodist.