A 22-year-old Nappanee man charged with trying to kill his mother by setting their home on fire has appeared in court.

Police say Christopher Hochstetler called 911 early on Wednesday, Nov. 12, and admitted he tried to start the fire while his mother was inside.

According to investigators, he told officers he used a lighter and toilet paper because he “didn’t like his mom,” placing the materials near her bedroom door.

She woke up to smoke alarms.

Hochstetler allegedly said he acted alone and intended to kill her.

So far, no future court dates have been set.