(Bedford, Iowa) – A jury in Taylor County today (Thursday) convicted a Kellerton man on five felony counts stemming from a November 20, 2022 arson fire in Bedford. Online court records show 69-year old Ellis Earl Houk was found guilty of charges that include: 1st Degree Arson (Class B Felony); Attempted Murder (Class B Felony); Willful Injury -Causing Serious Injury (Class C Felony); Burglary in the 1st Degree (Class B Felony), and Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree (Class C Felony). His trial began on July 26th.

He faces up to 25-years in prison on each of the Class B Felonies, and at least 10-years on the Class C Felonies, plus a fine of up to $13,660. Sentencing was set for Sept. 19th.

According to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, a fire broke out at 1871 Orange Ave. in Bedford. A female resident of the home was able to escape, but suffered serious injuries. She was treated by Taylor County EMS before being flown to a burn center.

Houk – who was 68 at the time of the incident – was arrested a few days later in Texas and extradited to Iowa.