On June 23, 2024, at approximately 3:32 a.m., the Ottumwa Police Department received a 911 call regarding a structure fire at 220 W. 5th, Ottumwa. It was reported that people were still inside the residence during the initial call to dispatch. Ottumwa Fire Department and Police Department personnel both responded to the incident. 
The investigation into this incident determined that someone had caused the fire inside of the apartment building. Two persons were present inside the structure when the fire was discovered. One person escaped the fire through a third floor window and the other person did not escape and died as a result of this incident.
The victim was identified as Ernest James Wilson, age 59, of 220 W. 5th, Apartment 4. A suspect was identified and later found by police.
At 9:10 a.m., the Ottumwa Police Department arrested Ashley Dawn Lankford, age 31, of Ottumwa with Arson 1st Degree, a Class “B” Felony.
This incident remains under investigation by the Ottumwa Police Department, the Ottumwa Fire Department, and the State Fire Marshall’s Office for the State of Iowa.
Lankford is being held in the Wapello County Jail with no bond.
**ADDITIONAL CHARGES**
On June 24, 2024 at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Ottumwa Police Department filed additional charges on Ashley Dawn Lankford. Lankford was charged with the following new offenses:
• Murder 1st Degree, a Class “A” Felony
• Attempt to Commit Murder, a Class “B” Felony
• Criminal Mischief, 1st Degree, a Class “C” Felony
• Animal Abuse- Causing Death, an Aggravated Misdemeanor
This incident remains under investigation by the Ottumwa Police Department, the Ottumwa Fire Department, and the State Fire Marshall’s Office for the State of Iowa.
Lankford is being held in the Wapello County Jail with bail set at $1,000,000 cash.
Please note the following pursuant to recent Supreme Court rulings: “A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”