Lansdale Police. Photo by James Short.
Police said Destiny Aida Reilly, of Lansdale, ignited clothing that spread to siding and railings of Acorn Street twin home, which necessitated Fairmount Fire Co. responding to the scene
A 22-year-old Lansdale woman is facing felony arson charges after police said she intentionally set fire to her boyfriend’s clothing on the rear steps of her Acorn Street residence, causing damage to the property and endangering neighbors.
Destiny Aida Reilly, of Lansdale, was charged Aug. 26 by borough police with one felony count of arson and a summary count of dangerous burning, according to court documents.
Officers were dispatched shortly before 12:45 p.m. Aug. 15 to the 400 block of Acorn Street for a report of a fire, police said. They found smoldering clothing on the cement steps behind the home, along with fire extinguisher residue. Neighbors told police they had used the extinguisher to put out the flames, per the complaint.
According to the affidavit, the vinyl siding and PVC railings next to the stairs were scorched, and the wood beneath the siding had also sustained damage. Smoke had filled the home, prompting response from the Fairmount Fire Co. and the Lansdale fire marshal.
Police said Reilly admitted to starting the fire, telling officers she burned her boyfriend’s belongings with a lighter because of personal grievances, according to the complaint. She denied using an accelerant, police said.
At the time of the incident, the adjoining unit of the twin home was occupied by a 9-year-old child and a 21-year-old adult, police said.
She was released on $50,000 unsecured bail, according to court records. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10 before Magisterial District Judge Edward Levine. Reilly is represented by Norristown attorney Brooks Thompson, court records show.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
