Wanted Since 2011, Suspect in Fatal Kern County Hit-and-Run Arrested in Mexico

BAKERSFIELD, CA — “On June 17, 2011, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers from the Bakersfield Area investigated a fatal hit-and-run collision involving two vehicles on State Route 99 at Pond Road. The investigation determined that David Lopez Lilly, 37, of Bakersfield, was the driver at fault. Lilly fled the scene and avoided apprehension.
The crash claimed the life of Steven Alvidrez, Sr., who was driving a motorcycle at the time. Alvidrez, then the Chief of Police for the Kern High School District, sustained fatal injuries. His wife, a passenger on the motorcycle, suffered major injuries requiring extensive hospitalization.
Investigators uncovered that Lilly had two prior convictions for driving under the influence (DUI). As a result, the case was charged as murder following his indictment by the Kern County Grand Jury. Believing Lilly had fled to Mexico to evade arrest, CHP investigators sought the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A federal warrant was issued for Lilly’s arrest under charges of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution.
Despite extensive efforts, Lilly remained at large for over 13 years.
Between January and June 2024, CHP investigators obtained new information indicating Lilly was living near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Coordinating with FBI agents based in Guadalajara, Mexico, authorities located and apprehended Lilly.
On January 15, 2025, Lilly was arrested by the FBI with assistance from the Nayarit State Police. Mexican immigration officials escorted Lilly from Puerto Vallarta to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where CHP investigators took him into custody. Lilly was subsequently booked at the Kern County Sheriff’s Lerdo Justice Facility on murder charges.”