Man who set mother and house on fire appears in court

The man who is suspected of setting his mother and a home on fire made his first court appearance Friday morning. The Washington County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office said that 32 year old Dustin Machen was arrested after deputies responded to a reported arson at a home on S. Pickens Bridge Road. When deputies arrived, they found the home engulfed in flames and his mother injured after being doused in gasoline and set on fire. Machen was located in a field near the home watching it burn. Machen was appointed a public attorney during the appearance, and a $2 million bond was set. It was also revealed that Machen had a prior criminal altercation with the alleged victim. With the court finding him not guilty by reason of insanity. Machen faces a host of charges including attempted first-degree murder, attempted especially aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated arson. Machen will be back in court April 23.