Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Killgore murder case: Woman told roommate she was choked into unconsciousness by Marine boyfriend during sex games

VISTA - A woman told a roommate that she was choked into unconsciousness by her Marine boyfriend -- who is charged along with her in the murder of a 22-year-old military wife -- during bondage and sadomasochistic play at their Fallbrook home, according to court testimony today, March 12, 2013.

The roommate's testimony came on the second day of a preliminary hearing for Dorothy Maraglino, 37, Louis Ray Perez, 46, and 25-year-old Jessica Lynn Lopez, who are charged in the strangulation death last April of Brittany Killgore.

All three defendants were involved in sexual behavior that included bondage, torture, and master, servant and slave role-playing, and Killgore was an "unwilling participant" in those activities, sheriff's detective Susan Fiske alleged in search warrant affidavits.

Taylor said Maraglino told her "master" Perez -- a Camp Pendleton staff sergeant also known as Ivan -- had choked her out with a belt and his bare hands during bondage and sadomasochistic play.

Killgore -- who had filed for divorce from her Marine husband -- went missing the night of April 13 after agreeing to go on a dinner cruise with Perez. Her nude body was found four days later near Lake Skinner in southwest Riverside County.

A friend testified that Killgore texted the word "help'' shortly after leaving with Perez. He told the friend that he dropped Killgore at a bar and saw her go off with "two guys,'' according to the friend's testimony.

Taylor -- who said she did not participate in the bondage and sadomasochistic activities with the defendants -- testified that she decided to come forward and tell authorities what she knew.

"I felt like I owed it to Brittany, to give her parents closure,'' Taylor testified.

The witness called Maraglino an "extremist'' who was submissive to Perez but had Lopez as a sex slave, complete with a dog collar that read "Property of Miss D (Dorothy).'

A woman who dated Perez from 2008 until last year testified that he was gentle when they started dating, but their sexual relationship turned "rough,'' complete with biting, spanking, tying and binding and choking.

"I was a little bit scared, but I trusted him,'' the confidential witness testified.

According to court documents, Perez said in online posts that he was planning to have a BDSM session the weekend Killgore disappeared.

Perez allegedly took Killgore to his Fallbrook home -- where authorities said they found ropes, whips, a Taser, a nightstick, spiked gloves and a "sex dungeon'' -- before texting Lopez and Maraglino to join him.

At some point, Perez decided to kill Killgore, authorities allege.

The preliminary hearing -- expected to last five days -- will determine whether there's enough evidence for the defendants to stand trial.

(previous story, March 11, 2013)

Friend: Military wife texted 'help' after going on dinner cruise with marine sergeant

VISTA - A friend of a military wife whose body was found near Lake Skinner in southwest Riverside County last year testified today that the victim texted the word ''help'' soon after leaving on a dinner cruise with a Marine sergeant, who is charged with murdering the 22-year-old woman.

Channy Tal was the first witness to testify in a preliminary hearing in San Diego County for Louis Ray Perez, who is accused, along with his girlfriend Dorothy Maraglino and 25-year-old Jessica Lynn Lopez, in the April 2012 death of Fallbrook resident Brittany Killgore.

Tal said she was helping Killgore pack last April for a move back to Pennsylvania when Perez, a 46-year-old staff sergeant at Camp Pendleton, came over and insisted that Killgore go on the dinner cruise with him.

Killgore's Marine husband -- who was estranged from the victim -- was deployed in Afghanistan at the time of her murder and was cleared of any wrongdoing. Killgore had filed for divorce a few days before her death.

The witness said Killgore was reluctant, but decided to accompany Perez after speaking with his 37-year-old girlfriend, who said it was OK because she was pregnant and didn't want to get seasick.

Perez also said he would get five men to help Killgore move, according to Tal.

Tal said Killgore texted the word ''help'' about 7:50 p.m., soon after leaving with Perez for the dinner cruise in San Diego. She said she tried to text Killgore back, but got no reply.

''I was concerned that something was wrong,'' Tal testified.

Minutes later, Tal said she texted Killgore again, writing, ''Brit, are you OK? I'm freaking out.''

Tal said she got a text back from Killgore's phone that read, ''Yes, I love this party!''

The witness said Killgore never used the word ''yes,'' but always''yeah.''

Tal testified that she insisted that Killgore call so she could hear her voice, but got only a text in return that read, ''(Call) in a few ... hot guys.''

The witness said she used a friend's phone to contact Perez, who she knew as ''Ivan.'' Perez told her that he dropped Killgore at a club and saw her go off with ''two guys,'' and he lost track of her, according to Tal.

Tal said she and her friends decided to report Killgore missing the next morning.

She said sheriff's deputies contacted Perez on April 14 and he showed up at Killgore's apartment.

''He looked kind of dirty, but he was calm and collected,'' Tal testified.

In addition to murder, the defendants are charged with conspiracy, kidnapping and torture charges.

All three defendants were involved in sexual behavior that included bondage, torture, and master, servant and slave role-playing, and Killgore was an ''unwilling participant'' in those activities, San Diego County sheriff's Detective Susan Fiske alleged in search warrant affidavits.

According to court documents, Perez participated in a bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism community and said in online posts that he was planning to have a BDSM session the weekend of April 13, 2012.

Perez allegedly took Killgore to his Fallbrook home -- where authorities said they found ropes, whips, a Taser, a nightstick, spiked gloves and a ''sex dungeon'' -- before texting Lopez and Maraglino to join him.

At some point, Perez decided to kill Killgore, authorities allege.

The preliminary hearing -- expected to last five days -- will determine whether there's enough evidence for the defendants to stand trial.

Preliminary hearing scheduled for three people accused in the death of 22-year-old Marine wife Brittany Killgore

VISTA - A preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin Monday for three people accused in the strangulation death last year of a 22-year-old Marine wife, whose body was found nude and mutilated in a roadside ditch near Lake Skinner in southwest Riverside County.

Camp Pendleton Marine Sgt. Louis Ray Perez, 46, Dorothy Grace Marie Maraglino, 37, and Jessica Lynn Lopez, 25, are charged with first-degree murder in the death last April of Brittany Killgore.

The defendants, who at one time lived together in Fallbrook, are also charged with conspiracy, kidnapping and torture. At the time of her death, Killgore also lived in Fallbrook, along with her estranged Camp Pendleton-based husband, who was on deployment in Afghanistan and was cleared of any involvement in the slaying.

All three defendants were involved in sexual behavior that included bondage, torture, and master, servant and slave role playing, and that Killgore was an ''unwilling participant'' in those activities, sheriff's detective Susan Fiske wrote in the search warrant affidavits.

According to court documents, Perez said in online posts with a bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism community that he was planning to have a BDSM session the weekend of April 13, 2012. He allegedly invited Killgore to go on a dinner cruise in San Diego the night of April 13. She initially declined but agreed after Maraglino said it was OK and Perez promised Killgore she'd have help moving the following morning, authorities said. Minutes after Killgore and Perez met up, she sent a text message to a friend that read, ''Help,'' according to authorities. Perez then allegedly took Killgore to his Fallbrook home -- where authorities said there were ropes, whips, a taser, a nightstick, spiked gloves and a sex dungeon -- before texting Lopez and Maraglino to join him.

At some point, Perez decided to kill Killgore and sent phony messages in her name to friends, authorities said.

The preliminary hearing -- expected to last five days -- will determine whether there's enough evidence for the defendants to stand trial.

Killgore's husband: "Brittany was a beautiful, good person who did not deserve this;" "... her murder has left me devastated"

SAN DIEGO - U.S. Marine Cory Killgore has issued a public statement concerning the murder of his wife, Brittany Killgore. The statement was released through the San Diego County Sheriff's Dept. and read:

"Mr. Killgore will not be granting media interviews. The Sheriff's Homicide Detail and Public Affairs will not be making any further comment regarding this case."

"My wife Brittany, was beautiful beyond words and her murder has left me devastated. My duty to her memory is now to ensure her good reputation remains intact, and help law enforcement and prosecutors secure justice for the person, or persons who took her away from me.'

Brittany's death cannot be in vain – at this point, I don't know how to use this tragedy for good, but others have found their way and I hope to do the same. Brittany meant too much to do any less.'

'As my father-in-law said, please honor my wife's name and don't succumb to salacious gossip and rumor. Brittany was a beautiful, good person, who did not deserve this. Thank you." --Cory Killgore.

******

(previous story, Thurs., April 26, 2012)

Marine pleads not guilty to murder in Brittany Killgore case; D.A. says victim's blood and weapon found in marine's vehicle

VISTA (WIRE SERVICE) - A veteran Camp Pendleton Marine accused in the death of a 22-year-old military wife who went missing after a planned night on the town with him pleaded not guilty today to murdering her.

Staff Sgt. Louis Ray Perez, 45, was ordered held on $3 million bail in the death of Brittany Killgore of Fallbrook.

On the night of April 13, Killgore, whose estranged husband was serving a combat deployment in Afghanistan, was supposed to go out with Perez and a second woman who wound up canceling out on the plan, according to prosecutors.

Later that night, Killgore sent a text message to a friend saying she was in distress and needed help, Deputy District Attorney Patrick Espinoza said this morning at Perez's arraignment in Vista.

Investigators subsequently contacted Perez, who said he had dropped off Killgore in downtown San Diego, when in fact he had been in Fallbrook at the time in question, according to the prosecutor.

Perez, a 16-year member of the Marine Corps, pleaded not guilty last week on unrelated charges of stealing an assault rifle and a motorcycle from a trailer at Camp Pendleton. At that time, authorities described him only as a ''person of interest'' in Killgore's death.

During a search of Perez's vehicle, detectives discovered the victim's blood and a weapon, Espinoza told Superior Court Judge Kimberlee Lagotta.

Killgore's body was found April 17, dumped alongside a rural road near Lake Skinner in Riverside County.

Perez was the second person charged in Killgore's death. His roommate, 25-year-old Jessica Lynn Lopez, also is accused of murder in the case.

The serviceman's attorney, Jeff Reichert, told Lagotta a note found when a suicidal Lopez was arrested in a Point Loma motel room exonerates his client. According to Reichert, the message written by Lopez indicates that she killed Killgore and that Perez had nothing to do with the homicide.

However, Lagotta, who agreed to keep the note under seal, said Perez represented a ''serious danger'' to the community and was deserving of high bail.

Perez and Lopez, who will be back in court May 10 for a readiness conference and May 30 for a preliminary hearing, each face 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

Espinoza declined to comment on reports that Perez had an interest in sadomasochism and bondage or how that may or may not tie into the case.

Several days before she went missing, Killgore filed for divorce from her Marine husband. She had planned to move this month to Pennsylvania, where her parents live, according to her grandmother.

Following his wife's disappearance, Cory Killgore was granted leave to return from overseas to San Diego County.

This afternoon, he released his first public statements about the death of his wife, saying she had been ''beautiful beyond words'' and describing himself as ''devastated'' by her loss.

''My duty to her memory is now to ensure her good reputation remains intact, and help law enforcement and prosecutors secure justice for the person or persons who took her away from me,'' he said.

''Brittany's death cannot be in vain. At this point, I don't know how to use this tragedy for good, but others have found their way, and I hope to do the same. Brittany meant too much to do any less.''

The Marine urged people to ''honor my wife's name, and don't succumb to salacious gossip and rumor.''

''Brittany was a beautiful, good person who did not deserve this,'' he added.

(previous story, Thurs., April 26, 2012, 8 a.m.)

Update: Marine to be arraigned today on murder charge in Brittany Killgore case

VISTA (Wire Service) - A Camp Pendleton Marine is scheduled to be arraigned in Vista today (Thurs., April 26) on a murder charge stemming from the slaying of a 22-year-old military wife whose body was dumped off a rural road in Riverside County.

Staff Sgt. Louis Ray Perez was charged last week with possession of stolen property and possession of an assault rifle but was described only as a "person of interest" in the disappearance and slaying of Brittany Killgore of

Fallbrook. On Wednesday, however, he was re-arrested and re-booked at the Vista Jail on suspicion of murder.

Perez is the second person accused for Killgore's slaying. Jessica Lynn Lopez, 25, who lived near the victim, last week pleaded not guilty to murder in the case and was expected in court this morning for a readiness conference.

A few hours before the victim's body was discovered near Lake Skinner in Riverside County on April 17, detectives took Lopez into custody in San Diego. Information gleaned from her arrest led authorities to the remote spot where the body was located, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

At Lopez's arraignment, Deputy District Attorney Patrick Espinoza said she had been tracked down to a Rosecrans Street motel where she was found suffering from self-inflicted wounds. A suicide note was in the room, he said.

Authorities have refused to disclose the alleged connections between the victim and the two suspects. Lopez and Perez reportedly once lived in the same Fallbrook apartment, about a half-mile from the rental residence Killgore

shared with her husband.

On the night of Killgore's disappearance, she was supposed to have gone out with Perez and his girlfriend on a dinner cruise, but it was unclear if the plan came together, according to the victim's grandmother.

Killgore filed for divorce two weeks ago, according to court records. Marine Corps officials agreed to send her Camp Pendleton-based husband home from Afghanistan following her disappearance. He is not implicated in her slaying.

Other than to say that Killgore was a victim of "homicidal violence," as a prosecutor put it, authorities have yet to say how she was killed.

(previous story, April 24, 2012)

UPDATE: 45-year-old Marine arrested on murder charges in Brittany Killgore case

SAN DIEGO - The San Diego County Sheriff's Dept. has announced that a second arrest in the Brittany Dawn Kilgore case has been made.

Louis Ray Perez, 45 years of age, was arrested today (Tues., April 24) by Sheriff's Homicide Detectives on charges of 187 Penal Code – Murder.

This matter has been submitted to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office for review.

Perez has been a person of interest since the disappearance and murder of Brittany on Friday, April 13.

Perez has been in custody since April 14 on charges of possession of a stolen weapon.

In contacting the District Attorney's office for more information, they said there was no additional information approved for release at this time.

(previous story)

Killgore's father says comments about her "have absolutely no basis in fact" and "she does not deserve to be a victim of lies"

SAN DIEGO - A short time ago, Darryl Wrest, the father of Brittany Killgore, 22, a Fallbrook military wife who was found dead this week near Lake Skinner, released the following statement through the San Diego County Sheriff's Dept."

"Brittany is my daughter. I am here to speak for Brittany as her voice was taken from her. Brittany was a beautiful, kind, caring, young woman trying to find her way in this world. Family and friends love and miss Brittany beyond words. Brittany, was a victim, she did nothing wrong. There have been stories and comments made from people who do not know my daughter and have their own agendas or opinions. These stories have absolutely no basis in fact. Please leave my daughter in peace, she does not deserve to be a victim of lies and innuendo anymore than she deserved to be murdered. We are devastated and ask to be left alone to grieve at this time. Be assured, we will fight for Brittany to ensure justice is served for her. Thank you."

Also today, a woman who was arrested in a Point Loma motel in an apparently suicidal state was charged with murder this afternoon in connection with Killgore's death.

Jessica Lynn Lopez, 25, pleaded not guilty to the murder charge during a brief court hearing in Vista. She faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted in the death of Killgore who disappeared Friday, April 13.

Killgore's body was found Tuesday near Temecula, north of Lake Skinner, just hours after Lopez's arrest. Sheriff's Capt. Duncan Fraser said information gathered during Lopez's arrest led them to the body, although neither he nor

prosecutors would elaborate.

Superior Court Judge Sim von Kalinowski set Lopez's bail at $3 million.

She is due back in court May 2 for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for her to stand trial.

During a news conference earlier today, San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis declined to provide details regarding Lopez's alleged involvement in Killgore's disappearance and death.

At Lopez's arraignment, Deputy District Attorney Patrick Espinoza said Lopez was found in a Point Loma motel room suffering from self-inflicted wounds, along with writings described as a suicide note.

He would not provide details on how Killgore died, saying only her death was the result of "homicidal violence."

Killgore vanished after meeting with Staff Sgt. Louis Ray Perez, 45, a Camp Pendleton-based Marine who was subsequently arrested on weapon-theft charges, according to investigators.

Perez, a 16-year veteran assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of possession of stolen property and illegal possession of an assault rifle. But he also is being "actively investigated" in connection with the Killgore case, Fraser said.

Bail was kept high -- $500,000 -- with the judge agreeing that Perez was a flight risk. He is due back in court for a readiness conference April 26 and a preliminary hearing on May 17.

Perez, who faces up to three years and eight months behind bars if convicted on the weapons charges, remains a "person of interest" in Killgore's death and additional charges are possible, Dumanis said.

"Our hearts go out to Brittany's husband, Cory, as well as her family and friends, who are dealing with this sudden loss," Dumanis said. "This case has shaken many in San Diego County and many in the military community at Camp

Pendleton.'

The county's top prosecutor, without elaborating, said there has been a lot of misinformation in the media about the case. Dumanis urged anyone with information about Killgore's disappearance and death to call Crime Stoppers at

(888) 580-8477.

Authorities have not said how Lopez knew Killgore. According to U-T San Diego, public records showed Lopez and Perez once lived in the same Fallbrook apartment, about a half-mile from the apartment Killgore shared with her

husband.

A neighbor told the newspaper that Lopez and a female roommate live in same Fallbrook apartment she once shared with Perez, and he was often seen there.

The Lopez family released a statement through an attorney Wednesday.

'We pray for the family of Brittany Killgore and ask that the Lord comfort them during their time of grief and anguish. We ask that you pray for all those impacted by this tragic situation, including our family," the statement said.

Killgore's grandmother, Cheryl Coble of Farmington, Mo., told a hometown newspaper the victim's mother notified San Diego law enforcement about her daughter's disappearance after receiving a call from a stranger who found

Killgore's cell phone in the downtown Gaslamp District.

On the night of her disappearance, she was supposed to have gone out with Perez and his girlfriend to a dinner cruise, but it was unclear if the plan came together, Coble told the Daily Journal of Park Hills, Mo. The

girlfriend -- it was not immediately clear if she was referring to Lopez -- apparently backed out at the last minute, she added.

Killgore's father, Darryl Wrest, and grandfather flew to Southern California this week and handed out photos and information about her, Coble said.

Killgore, a former Missouri resident, had separated from her husband and shipped all her belongings to her parents' home in Pennsylvania, with plans to travel there this week to move back in with them, Coble told the newspaper.

Killgore's family had lived in Rolla, Mo., before relocating to Pennsylvania last fall. Killgore had been looking forward to reuniting with her family, her grandmother said.

"She just wanted to be at her parents' house and just wanted to sit and hold her new niece," Coble told the Daily Journal.

Killgore filed for divorce last week, according to court records. Marine Corps officials agreed to send her husband, Cory, a Pendleton-based Marine, home from Afghanistan following her disappearance. It was unclear when he would

return to San Diego County.

*********


(previous story, Thurs., April 19, 11 a.m.)

D.A. Dumanis says first degree murder charge will be filed today against 25-year-old woman in death of Brittany Killgore

SAN DIEGO - San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis, announced this morning (Thurs., April 19) that a first-degree murder charge will be filed against Jessica Lynn Lopez, 25, in connection with the death of 22-year old Fallbrook military wife Brittany Killgore. Lopez will be arraigned today at 1:30 p.m. in San Diego Superior Court in North San Diego County. If convicted, Lopez faces 25 years-to-life in state prison.

“I want to thank the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for their outstanding work to date on this murder case,” said Dumanis. “This is an ongoing investigation and as the county’s top prosecutor, my responsibility is to protect the integrity of the case, ensure a thorough investigation, and ultimately hold those responsible in a court of law.”

Dumanis would not give details regarding Lopez's alleged involvement in Killgore's disappearance and death.

Killgore, of Fallbrook, disappeared Friday, April 13. Her body was found Tuesday near Temecula, north of Lake Skinner.

Investigators had gone to the remote spot based on leads stemming from the arrest of Lopez, said sheriff's Capt. Duncan Fraser.

Dumanis said authorities have been in touch with Killgore's family.

"Our hearts go out to Brittany's husband, Cory, as well as her family and friends, who are dealing with this sudden loss,"' she said. "This case has shaken many in San Diego County and many in the military community at Camp

Pendleton."

Lopez, 25, was taken into custody late Tuesday morning at a Point Loma motel. She was booked into Las Colinas women's jail in Santee without bail late Tuesday night after being treated at a hospital for cuts suffered in an

apparent suicide attempt.

"Killgore vanished after meeting up with Staff Sgt. Louis Ray Perez, 45, a Camp Pendleton-based Marine who was subsequently arrested on weapon-theft charges," according to investigators.

Perez, a 16-year veteran assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of possession of stolen property and illegal possession of an assault rifle. But he also is being "actively investigated"' in connection with the Killgore case, Fraser said.

Bail was kept high -- $500,000 -- with the judge agreeing that Perez was a flight risk. He is due back in court for a readiness conference April 26 and a preliminary hearing on May 17.

Perez, who faces up to three years and eight months behind bars if convicted on the weapons charges, remains a "person of interest"' in Killgore's death and additional charges are possible, Dumanis said.

The county's top prosecutor, without elaborating, said there has been a lot of misinformation in the media about the case. Dumanis urged anyone with information about Killgore's disappearance and death to call Crime Stoppers at

888-580-8477.

Authorities have not said how Lopez knew Killgore. According to U-T San Diego, public records showed Lopez and Perez once lived in the same Fallbrook apartment, about a half-mile from the apartment Killgore shared with her

husband.

A neighbor told the newspaper that Lopez and a female roommate live in same Fallbrook apartment she once shared with Perez, and that he is often seen there.

The Lopez family released a statement through an attorney Wednesday.

"We pray for the family of Brittany Killgore and ask that the Lord comfort them during their time of grief and anguish. We ask that you pray for all those impacted by this tragic situation, including our family," the statement said.

Killgore's grandmother, Cheryl Coble of Farmington, Mo., told a hometown newspaper the victim's mother notified San Diego law enforcement about her daughter's disappearance after receiving a call from a stranger who found

Killgore's cell phone in the downtown Gaslamp District.

On the night of her disappearance, she was supposed to have gone out with Perez and his girlfriend to a dinner cruise, but it was unclear if the plan came together, Coble told the Daily Journal of Park Hills, Mo. The girlfriend -- it was not immediately clear if she was referring to Lopez -- apparently backed out at the last minute, she added.

Killgore's father, Darryl Wreast, and grandfather flew to Southern California this week and handed out photos and information about her, Coble said.

Killgore, a former Missouri resident, had separated from her husband and shipped all her belongings to her parents' home in Pennsylvania, with plans to travel there this week to move back in with them, Coble told the newspaper.

Killgore's family had lived in Rolla, Mo., before relocating to Pennsylvania last fall. Killgore had been looking forward to reuniting with her family, her grandmother said.

"She just wanted to be at her parents' house and just wanted to sit and hold her new niece," Coble told the Daily Journal.

Killgore filed for divorce last week, according to court records. Marine Corps officials agreed to send her husband, Cory, a Pendleton-based Marine, home from Afghanistan following her disappearance. It was unclear when he would

return to San Diego County.

**************************

(previous story, Thurs., April 19, 10 a.m.)

Update from D.A. expected this a.m. on Brittany Killgore case; 25-yr-old woman under arrest for murder will be arraigned today

SAN DIEGO (Wire Service) - San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis is holding a press conference at 10 a.m. this morning to release more information about the investigation into the death of 22-year-old Brittany Killgore of Fallbrook.

In addition, a woman arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Killgore's death is scheduled to be arraigned at the Vista courthouse early this afternoon.

Jessica Lynn Lopez, 25, was arrested earlier this week in the death of Brittany Killgore and is scheduled to make an initial court appearance early this afternoon, when she will be asked how she pleads to first-degree murder.

A body found Tuesday afternoon near Temecula, north of Lake Skinner in Riverside County, was positively identified Wednesday as that of Killgore, who disappeared Friday. Investigators had gone to the remote spot based on leads

stemming from the arrest of Lopez, said sheriff's Capt. Duncan Fraser.

Lopez was taken into custody late Tuesday morning at a Point Loma motel on suspicion of murder, according to Fraser, who declined to disclose her suspected role in the slaying. She was booked into Las Colinas women's jail in

Santee without bail late Tuesday night after being treated at a hospital for cuts suffered in an apparent suicide attempt.

Killgore vanished after meeting up with Staff Sgt. Louis Ray Perez, 45, a Camp Pendleton-based Marine who was subsequently arrested on weapon-theft charges, according to investigators.

Perez, a 16-year veteran assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, appeared in court Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of stolen property and illegal possession of an assault rifle. But he also is

being "actively investigated" in connection with the Killgore case, Fraser said.

His bail was kept high -- $500,000 -- with the judge agreeing Wednesday that Perez was a flight risk. He is due back in court for a readiness conference April 26 and a preliminary hearing on May 17. He faces up to three years and eight months behind bars if convicted on the weapons charges.

Authorities have not said how Lopez knew Killgore. According to U-T San Diego, public records showed Lopez and Perez once lived in the same Fallbrook apartment, about a half-mile from the apartment Killgore shared with her

husband.

A neighbor told the newspaper that Lopez and a female roommate live in same Fallbrook apartment she once shared with Perez and that he is often seen there.

The Lopez family released a statement through an attorney Wednesday.

"We pray for the family of Brittany Killgore and ask that the Lord comfort them during their time of grief and anguish. We ask that you pray for all those impacted by this tragic situation, including our family," the statement said.

Killgore's grandmother, Cheryl Coble of Farmington, Mo., told a hometown newspaper the victim's mother notified San Diego law enforcement about her daughter's disappearance after receiving a call from a stranger who found

Killgore's cell phone in the downtown Gaslamp District.

On the night of her disappearance, she was supposed to have gone out with Perez and his girlfriend to a dinner cruise, but it was unclear if the plan came together, Coble told the Daily Journal of Park Hills, Mo. The girlfriend -- it was not immediately clear if she was referring to Lopez -- apparently backed out at the last minute, she added.

Killgore's father, Darryl Wreast, and grandfather flew to Southern California this week and handed out photos and information about her, Coble said.

Killgore, a former Missouri resident, had separated from her husband and shipped all her belongings to her parents' home in Pennsylvania, with plans to travel there this week to move back in with them, Coble told the newspaper.

Killgore's family had lived in Rolla, Mo., before relocating to Pennsylvania last fall. Killgore had been looking forward to reuniting with her family, her grandmother said.

"She just wanted to be at her parents' house and just wanted to sit and hold her new niece," Coble told the Daily Journal.

Killgore filed for divorce last week, according to court records. Marine Corps officials agreed to send her husband, Cory, a Pendleton-based Marine, home from Afghanistan following her disappearance. It was unclear when he would

return to San Diego County.

(previous story)

UPDATED STORY: Wed., April 18, 2012, 7:15 p.m.

Body found is positively identified as 22-year-old Brittany Killgore; Marine who saw her last was arraigned in court today

SAN DIEGO - The woman's body found near Lake Skinner in Riverside County has now been identified by the medical examiner's office as that of 22-year-old Brittany Killgore of Fallbrook. The man who was last seen with Killgore was in court today, Wed., April 18 and pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of an assault weapon and receiving stolen property.

Louis Ray Perez, 45, an active duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, is charged with having possession of a military rifle that belonged to someone else, and the judge also said during the court arraignment that the defendant was a suspect in a murder investigation.

Superior Court Judge Sim von Kalinowski denied the request to lower the $500,000 bail amount, and said Perez’ knowledge that he is a suspect in a murder investigation increases his flight risk.

He also addressed the seriousness of the felony charge of unlawful possession of an assault weapon.

“There’s only one reason to possess – and that’s to kill people,” he said.

According to the court charges Perez may have had the rifle from Feb. 1, 2012 until April 14, 2012 – the latter date being the day after Killgore went missing and the day Perez was arrested.

District attorneys Patrick Espinoza and Garrett Wong are both prosecuting the case, and Espinoza said the weapons charge could lead to 3-years-and-8-months in prison, if Perez is convicted.

But a thorough investigation into Perez having any connection with Killgore’s missing status is currently underway, and Espinoza said the homicide team must bring enough evidence to the district attorney’s office.

“If evidence mounts to beyond a reasonable doubt, he will be charged,” he said.

Jessica Lynn Lopez, 25, is one suspect who has been arrested in connection with Killgore’s disappearance so far, and Lopez was booked on a murder charge on April 17 by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department after an alleged botched suicide attempt led them to Killgore's body, according to reports.

Those reports said that a note was left behind in a hotel room that Lopez was in that gave details of where a body, presumed to be Killgore’s, was later located on the evening of April 17.

Killgore had filed for a divorce just last week, according to court records. She was married to a Marine, Cory, who was in Afghanistan on duty and allowed to return home following his wife's disappearance.

Defense attorney Jeff Reichert described Perez as a gentleman with no criminal history or juvenile criminal history.

He said Perez is married and has been employed in the military for 16 years, and has lived in San Diego County for "a long time."

A preliminary hearing for Perez’ case has been set for May 17.

Lopez, who was being held without bail, has been slated to make her first court appearance in the case Thursday if the district attorney’s office finds enough evidence and files the murder charge.

Watch this site for more updates on this case as they become available.

(previous story updated at 5:05 p.m. Wed., April 18)

UPDATE: Woman's body found is positively identified as 22-year-old Brittany Killgore

SAN DIEGO - A woman's body found in Riverside County was positively identified today as that of a 22-year-old military wife who disappeared last week.

The remains of Brittany Killgore of Fallbrook were discovered Tuesday afternoon near Temecula, about a mile north of Lake Skinner, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office.

Killgore was reported missing Saturday. The young woman -- whose husband was deployed overseas -- vanished Friday after meeting up with 45-year-old Louis Ray Perez, a Camp Pendleton-based Marine who was subsequently arrested on weapon-theft charges, according to investigators.

Perez appeared in court in Vista this afternoon and pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of stolen property and illegal possession of an assault rifle. The serviceman also was being ''actively investigated'' in connection with the Killgore case, sheriff's Capt. Duncan Fraser told reporters.

Investigators had gone to the remote spot where the woman's body was found based on leads stemming from the arrest of a second suspect in the case, according to Fraser.

Jessica Lynn Lopez, 25, was arrested late Tuesday morning at a Point Loma motel on suspicion of murder, according to Fraser, who declined to disclose her alleged role in the slaying.

After being treated at a hospital for self-inflicted cuts she had suffered in an apparent suicide attempt, Lopez was booked into Las Colinas women's jail in Santee late Tuesday night.

Lopez, who was being held without bail, was slated to make her first court appearance in the case Thursday.

At Perez's arraignment today, his attorney, Jeff Reichert, asked that his client's bail be lowered from $500,000 to $30,000, noting that the Marine had not been charged in connection with Killgore's apparent slaying.

Reichert also said Perez had no criminal history and was a 16-year military veteran.

But Superior Court Judge Sim von Kalinowski rejected the request, saying Perez's knowledge that he is a person of interest in the Killgore investigation made him an increased flight risk. The judge ordered that Perez remain jailed in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Outside court, prosecutor Patrick Espinoza was asked why Perez hasn't been charged with murder.

''Well, before an important decision like charging someone with the crime of murder is made, police conduct and deputies conduct a thorough investigation,'' Espinoza said. ''That thorough investigation is happening right now. It hasn't been completed yet.''

Perez is due back in court for a readiness conference April 26 and a preliminary hearing on May 17. He faces up to three years and eight months behind bars if convicted.

Killgore filed for divorce last week, according to court records. Marine Corps officials agreed to send her husband, Cory, home from a deployment to Afghanistan following his wife's disappearance. It was unclear when he was likely to arrive back in San Diego County.

Suspect pleads not guilty in case of murder, body found is believed to be that of 22-year-old Brittany Killgore

FALLBROOK - While authorities sought to determine if a woman's body found in Riverside County is that of a 22-year-old North County military wife presumed slain in the aftermath of her disappearance last week, a Marine considered a person of interest in the case pleaded not guilty today to unrelated weapons charges.

Brittany Killgore of Fallbrook was reported missing Saturday, a day after the last known sighting of the young woman, whose husband was deployed overseas. She vanished after meeting up with 45-year-old Louis Ray Perez, a Camp Pendleton-based Marine who was subsequently arrested on weapon-theft charges, according to investigators.

On Tuesday afternoon, the remains of an unidentified woman were discovered near Temecula, about a mile north of Lake Skinner, sheriff's Capt. Duncan Fraser said. The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office was working to determine if the body was that of Killgore, the captain said.

Investigators had gone to the remote spot where the dead woman was found based on leads stemming from the arrest of a second suspect in the case, according to Fraser.

Jessica Lynn Lopez, 25, was taken into custody late Tuesday morning at a Point Loma motel on suspicion of murder, according to Fraser, who declined to disclose her alleged role in the presumed slaying.

After being treated at a hospital for self-inflicted cuts she had suffered in an apparent suicide attempt, Lopez was booked into Las Colinas women's jail in Santee late Tuesday night.

Perez was jailed Sunday after detectives questioned him about Killgore's whereabouts. Though Perez was booked only on suspicion of possessing a stolen AR-15 military assault rifle, he was "being actively investigated for this disappearance," Fraser said.

Perez appeared in court in Vista this afternoon and pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of stolen property and possession of an assault weapon. His attorney, Jeff Reichert, asked that Perez's bail be lowered from

$500,000 to $30,000, saying his client had not been charged in connection with

Killgore's disappearance.

But Superior Court Judge Sim von Kalinowski rejected the request, saying Perez's knowledge that he is a person of interest in the Killgore investigation made him an increased flight risk. The judge ordered that Perez remain jailed in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Perez is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on May 17. He faces up to three years and eight months behind bars if convicted.

Lopez, who was being held without bail, was slated to make her first court appearance in the case Thursday.

Killgore filed for divorce last week, according to court records. Marine Corps officials agreed to send her husband, Cory, home from a deployment to Afghanistan following his wife's disappearance. It was unclear when he was likely to arrive back in San Diego County.

FALLBROOK (Wire Service) - The Medical Examiner is working to confirm whether a body found in rural Riverside County near Lake Skinner is that of missing Fallbrook military wife Brittany Killgore, and authorities are holding an apparently suicidal woman on suspicion of murder in the case.

Killgore, 22, was last seen about 5 p.m. Friday, April 13, in the Fallbrook area, where she shared a home with her estranged Camp Pendleton-based Marine husband, Cory, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. Killgore's husband was deployed in Afghanistan when she went missing and is not suspected in the disappearance, authorities said.

On Tuesday, April 17, the body was discovered in Riverside County several hours after Jessica Lynn Lopez, 25 (previously reported as age 27), was taken into custody on suspicion of murder in the case. The remains were found about 2:30 p.m. off Borel and Warren roads, roughly a mile north of Lake Skinner, authorities said.

Lopez, who turned 25 the day Killgore disappeared, is the second person named by authorities in connection with the case.

On Sunday, April 15, a 45-year-old Marine named Louis Ray Perez was jailed on suspicion of possessing an AR-15 military assault rifle stolen from Camp Pendleton, where he is based. Authorities said Perez was with Killgore just

before she went missing and was being investigated in connection with the disappearance.

Perez is scheduled to be arraigned on the weapon charge at the Vista Superior courthouse this afternoon. As of early today, authorities had not cleared Perez of possible involvement in the Killgore case, despite the Lopez arrest.

On announcing Lopez' arrest, sheriff's Capt. Duncan Fraser told reporters she had been admitted to UCSD Medical Center under guard after an apparent suicide attempt.

Lopez was taken into custody at a motel on Rosecrans Street in the Midway District of San Diego. She was released from the hospital and booked into the Las Colinas Detention Facility in Santee shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday, according to jail records.

Court records showed Killgore filed for divorce last week. Her husband was in the process of being sent home from Afghanistan due to his wife's disappearance.

*****************************

(previous story, Tues., April 17, 5:15 p.m.)

Body found may be missing Fallbrook woman' authorities arrest woman in connection with murder

SAN DIEGO - Investigators searching for a missing 22-year-old Fallbrook military wife found a body Tuesday, April 17 in Riverside County, several hours after a woman was arrested on suspicion of murder in the case.

The discovery of the remains off Borel and Warren Roads about a mile north of Lake Skinner, was made about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, San Diego County Sheriff's Department Capt. Duncan Fraser said. It was not immediately clear if the body was that of Brittany Killgore of Fallbrook, whose whereabouts have been unknown for four days.

Killgore, whose husband is deployed overseas, disappeared Friday evening, April 13 after allegedly meeting up with a 45-year-old Louis Ray Perez, a Camp Pendleton-based Marine who subsequently was jailed on Sunday, April 15 on an unrelated weapon charge.

Homicide detectives were investigating Killgore's disappearance and believed there was “a strong likelihood'' she was a “victim of foul play,” sheriff's Lt. Larry Nesbit said earlier in the case.

The second arrest in the investigation occurred late Tuesday morning, according to Fraser. Jessica Lynn Lopez, 27, was taken into custody at a motel on Rosecrans Street in San Diego and was expected to be booked on suspicion of murder.

The captain declined to discuss Lopez's alleged connection to the case. He told news crews the suspect had been admitted to UCSD Medical Center under guard and was expected to be booked on a murder charge upon her release from the Hillcrest hospital. Fraser also would not say why Lopez had required medical care.

Perez, who was arrested for possessing a stolen AR-15 military assault rifle, continues to be “actively investigated for this disappearance,” Fraser told reporters. He was being held at San

Diego Central Jail on $500,000 bail pending arraignment. He has been said to be “uncooperative” in regards to Killgore’s disappearance.

Investigators went to the area where the corpse was found “based on leads stemming from the arrest of Lopez,'' Fraser said. The captain told reporters he could release very limited information at that time.

“I can't comment on the condition of the body that was found,'' he said. “We have not confirmed that the body ... is that of Brittany Killgore. The medical examiner will make that confirmation.''

On Monday, search-and-rescue personnel combed open areas in the De Luz area, in the northern part of Fallbrook, in hopes of determining what had become of Killgore.

Among the suspicious circumstances in the case was the fact that Killgore's cell phone was found by trolley security guards in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego, even though investigators do not believe she had gone there herself on the night she vanished, Nesbit said.

The woman filed for divorce last week, according to court records. Her Camp Pendleton-stationed husband, Cory, reportedly has been serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan but is in the process of being sent home due to his wife's disappearance.

(previous story, Mon., April 17, 12 noon)

FALLBROOK (Wire Service) - Authorities have suspended the search for a missing 22-year-old Fallbrook woman who disappeared last week under suspicious circumstances, allegedly after meeting up with a serviceman who subsequently was arrested on an unrelated weapon charge.

Officials with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department decided this morning to suspend their active efforts to find Brittany Killgore, who was last seen in Fallbrook about 5 p.m. Friday, April 13, according to Jan Caldwell, a spokeswoman for the agency.

"Rather, we are concentrating our efforts on leads that have been developed," Caldwell said. She declined to elaborate.

Investigators believe that Killgore, whose estranged husband is deployed on combat duty overseas, was with 45-year-old Louis Ray Perez, a Marine based at Camp Pendleton, just before she went missing, homicide Lt. Larry Nesbit said.

"Based on our investigation to this point, we believe there is a strong likelihood Brittany is the victim of foul play," Nesbit said on Monday, as sheriff's personnel combed undeveloped open areas north of Fallbrook in search of Killgore.

The search-and-rescue operation was centered on the area of De Luz Canyon, near the Riverside County line, the lieutenant told reporters. He would not reveal the reason for that geographical focus.

Detectives questioned Perez about Killgore's disappearance before arresting him Sunday on suspicion of possessing a stolen AR-15 military assault rifle. He was being held at San Diego Central Jail on $500,000 bail pending arraignment, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, April 18.

Nesbit said Perez had been "uncooperative and not completely forthcoming about his knowledge." The lieutenant would not comment on the nature of the missing woman's relationship with the serviceman.

Among the suspicious circumstances in the case was the fact that Killgore's cell phone was found by trolley security guards in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego, even though investigators do not believe she had gone there herself on the night she vanished, Nesbit told news crews.

The woman filed for divorce last week, according to court records. Her Camp Pendleton-stationed husband, Cory, reportedly is serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Killgore, a 5-foot-7-inch, roughly 130-pound brunette with brown eyes, was wearing a dark-purple evening gown with shiny floral patterns on it at the time of her disappearance.

(previous stories)

Missing 22-year-old woman is wife of deployed Marine; search continues as foul play is suspected

UPDATE (Tues., April 17, 1:45 p.m.) - When contacted for any update available on the Brittany Killgore case, Fallbrook Sheriff's Sgt. Joe Montion said detectives are continuing to carefully analyze leads and are prioritizing them. "They are also narrowing down more areas for search teams to look into," said Montion.

UPDATE (Mon., April 16, 8 p.m.) - Brittany Killgore's Camp Pendleton-stationed husband, Cory, is serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan and being flown home with the help of the Red Cross. It has been reported that Brittany filed for divorce last week, according to court records.

Brittany Dawn Killgore, the 22-year-old wife of a deployed Marine, is the subject of an intense search being conducted by the San Diego Sheriff's Department. She is described as Caucasian female, approximately 5-feet 7-inches tall, brown hair, brown eyes, weighing 130 lbs. Friends said she was last seen wearing a dark purple evening gown with a purple floral glitter pattern.

Killgore, who was residing in Fallbrook, was last seen here on Friday, April 13 at about 5 p.m. and was reported missing the next day. Circumstances surrounding the young women's disappearance have led authorities to believe she may have been the victim of foul play and search and rescue teams have been called in to try and locate her.

After friends told authorities they believed that Killgore may have been going to San Diego's Gaslamp district, detectives focused on that area as well.

Killgore's cell phone was located in an alley in the Gaslamp District.

Nesbit said the last person believed to be in contact with the woman is 45-year-old Camp Pendleton-based Marine, Louis Ray Perez. Perez was arrested in the early morning hours of Sun., April 15 on what authorities called an "unrelated charge," possession of a stolen AR-15 assault rifle. Perez was eventually booked into the San Diego Central Jail and bail has been set at $500,000.

When asked what the connection might be between Perez and Killgore, Nesbit said, "We are not releasing her relationship with him at this time." But he did explain why foul play has been suspected in the case.

"Based on our investigation to this point, we believe there is a strong likelihood Brittany is the victim of foul play," said Nesbit. "We are led to believe that because of the totality of the circumstances: we recovered her cell phone in the Gaslamp District; the person we believe was last with her has been less than cooperative and forthcoming; and she usually stays in constant contact with her friends. No one has heard from her since she went missing.

Killgore's family lives out of state, but Nesbit said some are flying in today. The lieutenant said Killgore does not have any children.

For reasons he wouldn't disclose at this time, Nesbit said search and rescue crews are focusing on the northern, rural part of Fallbrook, including the De Luz area.

The Sheriff's Dept. is asking that anyone with information regarding Killgore's current location or the circumstances regarding her disappearance call (858) 974-2321 or after hours ((858) 565-5200. A $1,000 reward is available through Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 for anyone who reports information that leads to an arrest in the case.

"We are working every angle we can," said Nesbit.

*******

(previous story, Mon., April 16, 12 noon)

22-year-old Fallbrook woman missing; last seen with 45-year-old Camp Pendleton Marine who has been arrested for possession of stolen assault rifle

Debbie Ramsey

Managing Editor

The San Diego County Sheriff's Dept. Homicide Detail has enlisted the help of search and rescue units in the search for a 22-year-old Fallbrook woman who has been missing since Friday, April 15 and is suspected of being the victim of foul play. The last person believed to be in contact with the woman is a 45-year-old Camp Pendleton Marine who has been arrested on charges of possessing a stolen AR-15 assault rifle.

The information about the case, at this time, is being classified as "fragmentary and not completed verified," said Homicide Lt. Larry Nesbit.

The Sheriff's Dept. received a call on Saturday evening, April 14, stating that the woman had been missing from Fallbrook since Friday evening.

"Due to suspicious circumstances, detectives from the Fallbrook Sheriff's substation and the Homicide Detail were requested and responded," said Nesbit.

The missing woman has been identified as Brittany Dawn Killgore, 22, a Caucasian female who is approximately 5-foot 7-inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

"We believe she was last in the company of Louis Ray Perez, age 45," said Nesbit. "Perez is an active duty Marine based at Camp Pendleton. Mr. Perez was eventually booked into the San Diego Central Jail on an unrelated charge of possession of a stolen AR-15 assault rifle."

"Based on our investigation to this point, we believe there is a strong likelihood Brittany is the victim of foul play," said Nesbit.

The Sheriff's Dept. is asking that anyone with information that may be pertinent to this case call (858) 974-2321 or after hours ((858) 565-5200.

A $1,000 reward is available through Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 for anyone who reports information that leads to an arrest in the case.

(previous story, Mon., April 16, 2012, 5:13 a.m.)

Authorities searching for missing 22-year-old Brittany Killgore of Fallbrook

FALLBROOK - A 22-year-old Fallbrook woman was missing for the third consecutive day today, authorities said. Brittany Dawn Killgore was last seen in Fallbrook by a friend around 5 p.m. Friday, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. She was wearing a dark purple evening gown with glittery purple floral patterns and may have traveled to downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, according to a department bulletin. Killgore is 5 feet 8, 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on her whereabouts was urged to call sheriff's Detective Brian Patterson at (858) 974-2321.

 

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