6-year-old testifies: "Mommy started the fire in the bedroom." - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

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6-year-old testifies: "Mommy started the fire in the bedroom."

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LaToya Bell in court Friday LaToya Bell in court Friday
Wathis Dixon rescued the kids and he left the scene because of an outstanding warrant for violation of probation.  He is currently in jail.  (Source: Columbus Police Department) Wathis Dixon rescued the kids and he left the scene because of an outstanding warrant for violation of probation. He is currently in jail. (Source: Columbus Police Department)
LaToya Bell is accused of setting her home on fire Tuesday night and leaving her three kids inside LaToya Bell is accused of setting her home on fire Tuesday night and leaving her three kids inside
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COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -

A Columbus mother, accused of setting her Linden Circle home on fire Tuesday night and leaving her three kids inside, appeared in Municipal Court Friday for a bond hearing. 

LaToya Bell, 27, was seen rubbing her face and whispering to her attorney during court proceedings.

Her bond was set at $15,000 for one count of arson.  A fire investigator testified that Bell's 6-year-old daughter stated, "Mommy started the fire in the bedroom."  

Testimony also revealed that Bell's boyfriend, 32-year-old Wathis Dixon, rescued the kids. Apparently, he left the scene because of an outstanding warrant for violation of probation.  Dixon is currently in jail. He did not appear in court Friday morning. 

Previously, a neighbor claimed he rescued the kids from the burning home.  Officials have charged the neighbor, Eric Hardy, with misdemeanor obstruction of justice.

The case is bound over to Superior Court.

News Leader 9 is following this story. We'll have the latest developments tonight on News Leader 9 at 5 pm. 

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