A fatal apartment fire in Ottumwa during the early morning hours of June 23, 2024, quickly became one of the city’s most significant criminal investigations of the year after authorities determined the blaze had been intentionally set.
Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 3:32 a.m. to a multi-unit apartment building at 220 W. 5th Street following reports of a structure fire with people trapped inside.
When crews arrived, heavy fire was coming from the building. Two people were believed to be inside a third-floor apartment when the fire started. One occupant escaped by jumping from a third-floor window, but 59-year-old Ernest Wilson was unable to get out. He died inside the apartment. A dog also died in the fire.
As investigators worked the scene, attention quickly turned to 31-year-old Ashley Dawn Lankford of Ottumwa. According to investigators, Lankford arrived at the Ottumwa Police Department shortly after the fire began. Following interviews and the initial investigation, authorities arrested her later that morning on a charge of first-degree arson.
After Wilson’s death was confirmed, prosecutors expanded the case. Lankford was charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, first-degree criminal mischief, and animal abuse causing death in addition to the original arson charge. She was booked into the Wapello County Jail and held on a $1 million cash-only bond.
Investigators alleged the fire was intentionally started while Wilson and another person were inside the apartment. Authorities also stated that Lankford and Wilson knew one another and had reportedly been involved in a dispute before the fire.
The building itself became another focus of the investigation. City officials said the older house had been converted into apartments but had been placarded by the City of Ottumwa, meaning it was not legally approved for occupancy. Despite that designation, investigators said people were still living inside the structure at the time of the fire.
Court records also showed Lankford had previous legal issues involving the property. She had pleaded guilty to a trespassing charge involving 220 W. 5th Street in April 2024 and was later charged with trespassing at 215 W. 5th Street, located across the street, earlier in June.
The investigation was led by the Ottumwa Police Department with assistance from the Ottumwa Fire Department and the Iowa State Fire Marshal Division. Investigators remained at the scene for several days collecting evidence before the additional charges were filed.
Timeline
June 23, 2024 – Approximately 3:32 a.m.
- Fire reported at 220 W. 5th Street.
- Firefighters respond to reports of occupants trapped.
- One resident escapes by jumping from a third-floor window.
- Ernest Wilson is found dead inside the apartment.
- Ashley Lankford is arrested on an initial charge of first-degree arson.
June 24–25, 2024
- Following the death investigation, prosecutors file additional charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, first-degree criminal mischief, and animal abuse causing death.
Why the Case Drew Attention
The case drew widespread attention because it involved an intentionally set residential fire that resulted in a death. It also raised concerns about people living in buildings that had been declared unsafe for occupancy by the city.
