Crime & Safety

Villa Park Man Charged With First Degree Murder After Fatal Weekend Fire

Paula Morgan of Lombard was killed one day before her 25th birthday.

First degree murder charges have been filed in connection with a fatal fire in Lombard over the weekend.

Todd Mandoline, 23, of Villa Park, is being charged in the murder of Paula Morgan of Lombard, the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office announced Tuesday.

Officials believe Mandoline started a fire in the early morning hours of July 22 at the home belonging to Morgan's mother, at 1028 S. Ahrens Ave. Morgan had just celebrated her 25th birthday at the home Saturday evening, according to an article in The Daily Herald.

Morgan's boyfriend was critically injured in the fire and is being treated at Loyola University Medical Center, according to WGN TV.


Morgan's 6-year-old son was home at the time of the fire but managed to escape without injury, according to the Herald article. He is in the custody of his father. Her mother was not home at the time of the fire.

In addition to the first degree murder charge, Mandoline also faces two counts of aggravated arson, a Class X felony; one count of arson, a Class 2 felony; and one count of misdemeanor criminal damage to property.

He is scheduled to appear in DuPage County bond court at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 25. State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Police Chief Ray Byrne are expected to hold a press conference following the court appearance.

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