Jun 26, 2024

Ottumwa woman faces felony charges for fatal house fire

Posted Jun 26, 2024 8:41 PM

(Radio Iowa) - A southeast Iowa woman has been charged with murder following a Sunday morning house fire.

Fire crews were dispatched to a residence in Ottumwa based on the report of a heavy fire. Two people were in the home at the time, one was able to escape, but 59-year-old Ernest Wilson of Ottumwa died.

Thirty-one-year-old Ashley Lankford of Ottumwa has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder, first-degree arson, attempted murder, first-degree criminal mischief, and animal abuse. Lankford is currently in the Wapello County Jail. Her bond has been set at one million dollars.