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Apr 19, 2007 2:43 pm US/Central

Woman Pleads Not Guilty To Setting Fatal Fire

Mary Smith Is Accused Of Setting Fire That Killed 4 In Wrigleyville

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CHICAGO (AP) ― A homeless woman has pleaded not-guilty to charges that accuse her of starting an apartment fire that killed four people in Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood last month.

Mary Smith, 43, was arraigned in Cook County today on 12 counts of first-degree murder and nine counts of aggravated arson.

Defense attorney Jacqueline Ross says Smith is taking medication and being treated for mental health problems while being held without bail in the Cook County Jail.

Prosecutors say they haven't yet decided whether to pursue the death penalty in Smith's case. The state has 120 days from the date of arraignment to make that decision.

Prosecutors say Smith admitted starting the blaze by lighting a dollar bill she was given in an attempt to warm her feet after she lost her shoes.

(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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