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Lombard Mother Dies In Suspected Arson Fire

LOMBARD, Ill. (CBS) -- A birthday celebration ended tragically for a young suburban mother who was killed by someone the police believe set her home on fire.

A suspect is in custody, and charges are pending, CBS 2's Roseanne Tellez reports.

Monday would have been victim Paula Morgan's 25th birthday.

Her home was partially boarded. Authorities say they found a car on fire and flames spreading to the house early Sunday.

The victim was found, with her boyfriend, trapped in the upstairs bedroom. He survived.

A young child made it out of the house and alerted neighbors, Lombard Deputy Police Chief Pat Rollins said.

Police say neighbors spotted flames at this house on South Ahrens in Lombard shortly after a small backyard party. They say the fire was no accident.

Someone is in custody.

"The public is not at risk. It wasn't a random act," Rollins said.

The crime has stunned people who know the family.

"They were very good people. She was so polite, so intelligent," Zbigniew Mikucki said. "I was crying most of the day today."

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