KANSAS CITY, KAN. ? A man will stand trial for murder in the death of an 8-year-old girl in a house fire apparently started by fireworks.

Karl Bowlin, 41, of Kansas City, Kan., is charged with first-degree felony murder and aggravated arson, or an alternative charge of second-degree unintentional murder, in the July 2 death of Jewell Morse.

Prosecutors contend that Bowlin threw or aimed fireworks into the basement of a house where Jewell Morse lived.

Authorities think the fireworks ignited a flammable solvent, possibly paint thinner, and the fire spread quickly.

At a hearing Friday, Bowlin’s attorney waived formal arraignment and entered a not guilty plea for him.

Before ordering Bowlin to stand trial, Wyandotte County District Judge Robert L. Serra called the use of illegal fireworks in Wyandotte County an epidemic.

He said he hoped the girl’s death would push the Unified Government commissioners to crack down on illegal fireworks.

Bowlin remained in the Wyandotte County Jail on $100,000 bond.