Villa Park man charged with arson in fatal Lombard fire
Posted:
Updated:
WHEATON, Ill. (Sun-Times Media Wire) -
Todd Mandoline got thrown out of his ex-girlfriend's birthday party after an argument, but later walked two miles back to her home, stuffed a twisted piece of paper into the gas tank of her car and set it on fire, DuPage County authorities said.
The intense flames quickly spread from the 2003 Acura to Paula Morgan's frame house, setting it ablaze and trapping her and a friend on the second floor, Sun-Times Media is reporting.
Morgan died of smoke inhalation a day before her 25th birthday, while her friend, 25-year-old Jason Cassidy, was critically injured in the Sunday morning blaze, though Morgan's 6-year-old son escaped the house uninjured.
The 23-year-old Mandoline was denied bail Wednesday during his first court appearance on charges that include first-degree murder, aggravated arson and arson.
The Villa Park man, who is on probation for an earlier drunk-driving conviction, became enraged and set the fire about 4 a.m. after spending several hours outside the home sending text messages to Morgan, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said.
Mandoline left the area after setting the fire, but quickly was located by Lombard police and "ultimately did admit setting the fire," Berlin said at a press conference.
Morgan's young son apparently escaped the burning home when a smoke alarm woke him, Berlin said.
"Unfortunately, however, her son will now grow up without his mother's love, comfort and protection, which is heartbreaking," Berlin said.
Morgan's parents and other family members attended the hearing but left without commenting.
Saturday, May 25 2013 11:04 AM EDT2013-05-25 15:04:24 GMT
City residents sick of coupons piling up on their front doorsteps filed a civil lawsuit earlier this month urging the Chicago Tribune and Valassis Communications to stop distributing the mailings.
City residents sick of coupons piling up on their front doorsteps filed a civil lawsuit earlier this month urging the Chicago Tribune and Valassis Communications to stop distributing the mailings on their properties.
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:50 AM EDT2013-05-25 14:50:09 GMT
The tornado that struck Oklahoma on Monday took a devastating toll in the number of lives lost and property destroyed. But amidst the anguish and destruction there is another heart-wrenching tragedy.
The tornado that struck Oklahoma on Monday took a devastating toll in the number of lives lost and property destroyed. But amidst the anguish and destruction there is another "heart-wrenching" tragedy -- displaced pets.
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-25 14:18:44 GMT
A wrongful death lawsuit was filed Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court on behalf of an Aurora attorney who died of medical complications following a 2012 single-engine plane crash in Florida.
A wrongful death lawsuit was filed Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court on behalf of an Aurora attorney who died of medical complications following a 2012 single-engine plane crash in Florida.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:57 GMT
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
