The man accused of going on one of the most extensive arson sprees in Los Angeles history plead not guilty during an arraignment hearing Tuesday, according to an article on Cnn.com.

Prosecutors added 63 additional counts of arson to bring the total number of felony charges against Harry Burkhart, a German national, to 100. All of which were in connection with 49 different fires set across the city this past New Years.

Burkhart’s bail is now set at $7.5 million an increase from the formerly posted bail that was set just under $3 million. Investigators are currently holding Burkhart’s German passport.

The 24-year-old Burkhart is next scheduled to appear in court on March 1st before LA Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, notable for presiding over the Michael Jackson involuntary manslaughter case at the close of last year.

Prosecutors report that the unwarranted arson spree was spurned by Burkhart’s displeasure with American’s following the arrest of his mother pursuant to an international arrest warrant after a routine traffic stop.

During the two hearings that Burkhart has attended his mental state has appeared less than optimal.

For instance, at the first hearing he was barely responsive and had to be held up by policemen as he could barely bring himself to stand. Additionally, he was fitted with a special suicide gown designed to keep him from hanging himself, according to a deputy that escorted him.

A day after his mother was arrested for 16 counts of fraud and 3 counts of embezzlement Burkhart was seen yelling at his mother’s extradition hearing. While in the audience he voiced his distaste for Americans and also attempted to communicate with his mother. Shortly thereafter he was kicked out of the courtroom.

As previously stated, prosecutor’s believe that the defendant’s motivation in setting these fires was a retaliation against the American people for putting his mother behind bars. There are no reports thus far that indicate that he had previous criminal propensities or that he was previously affected by some sort of mental disorder.

On the other hand,  maybe he was just so dependent on his mother that he just could not stand the thought of living his life without her.

Luckily no one was hurt in the fires. Nonetheless, with 100 felony counts there is no doubt that prosecutors have enough ammunition to put Burkhart behind bars for the rest of his life.

What do you think?