Bail was denied Wednesday for the Villa Park man accused of murdering 24-year-old Paula Morgan of Lombard.

Todd Mandoline, 23, of 281 Terry Lane, a former boyfriend of Morgan's, is accused of setting fire to the home at 1028 S. Ahrens, where she lived in with her 6-year-old son and mother, in the early morning hours of July 22. Her son escaped injury and her mother wasn't home at the time, but another person in the home, Jason Cassidy, 25, was seriously injured.

According to a press release from the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, Mandoline had been held on a no-bail warrant in connection with the case. At a scheduled bond hearing before DuPage County Judge John Kinsella July 25, Mandoline was accompanied by a public defender. But he indicated he is planning to hire a private attorney, so Kinsella determined his bond hearing will take place at the time of his arraignment. Until then, the no-bail warrant originally issued will remain in force.

In addition to the first degree murder charge, Mandoline also faces felony arson charges.

“On the eve of her 25th birthday, Paula Morgan’s life was allegedly taken from her in the most horrific way,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said Wednesday. “Thankfully, her son was able to get out of the flaming house. Unfortunately, however, her son will now grow up without his mother’s love, comfort and protection, which is just heartbreaking."

Lombard Police Chief Raymond Byrne extended his condolences to the Morgan and Cassidy families Wednesday.

"To the extent that there can be a satisfactory resolution to such a senseless tragedy, we hope that the arrest of the defendant in this case can help the family achieve some sense of peace and justice," he said.

Mandoline's arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 13.