Lang
3/9/24
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a suspected arsonist accused of skipping a scheduled court date.
56-year-old Ray Palmer had a case management conference set for Friday. But online court records show Palmer failed to appear at the Johnson County Courthouse, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Iowa City Police say Palmer lit fake flowers on fire and threw them at his live-in girlfriend of eight years during a domestic dispute at their East Burlington Street apartment on June 5th, causing minor burns to her finger and hair. The lit flowers landed on the bed, which caused a fire that was quickly put out. Two other people were inside the building at the time of the blaze.
Palmer left the scene before police arrived, but was eventually located and placed under arrest. He’s charged with 1st Degree Arson and 2nd Offense Domestic Abuse Assault. If convicted on both counts, he could be sentenced to up to 27 years in prison.
