Mullen Deemed Danger, No Bail

The man accused of setting fire to 23 Countryside Road Jan. 13 was denied bail yesterday after a judge found him dangerous.

Joseph Mullen, 29, of 37 Stowe Road, Grafton, will now be held without bail for up to 90 days, according to District Attorney Joseph Early’s office.

Judge Janet Kenton-Walker made the determination after a dangerousness hearing yesterday at Worcester Superior Court.

Mullen’s case was continued to April 10.

He was indicted March 9 by the grand jury on charges of arson of a dwelling, breaking and entering in the daytime with intent to commit a felony, possession of burglary tools and animal cruelty.

He broke into the home, poured gasoline and set the home on fire, court documents said. The home was a total loss and had to be demolished. Homeowner Robert Benoit said he plans to rebuild a new home on the site.

The animal cruelty charges stem from the deaths in the blaze of two dogs and the apparent death of a cat that was never found. A second cat survived the blaze.

Mullen was apparently infatuated with the Mullens’ daughter, according to court documents.

Benoit has spoken emotionally about the loss of his pets and worked on a petition in an effort to get animal cruelty charges added against Mullen.