RICHFIELD, Utah, Oct. 6, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — Police in Richfield arrested a 39-year-old man for alleged charges including arson of a former domestic partner’s house on three different dates and two counts of attempted murder, in addition to several other serious charges.
Delmar Ray Barney was arrested Sunday for investigation of the alleged crimes of:
- Three counts of aggravated arson, a first-degree felony, on Sept. 11, 15, and Oct. 5
- Two counts of attempted murder, a first-degree felony, on Oct. 5
- Eight counts aggravated assault, a third-degree felony, on Sept. 11 and Sept. 15 (three counts each) and on Oct. 5 (two counts)
- Four counts of violation of a protective order, a class A misdemeanor, one each on Sept. 11, 15 and 22, and Oct. 5
- Possession of controlled substances, marijuana/spice, a class B misdemeanor, On Oct. 5
- Use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a class B misdemeanor
In a Sept. 11 call, a neighbor reported a suspicious fire in the area of 300 North and 400 East, Richfield. The fire marshal detected evidence, including an accelerant.
2nd dispatch
The alleged victim reported the second fire in the early hours of Sept. 15, after hearing a large thump outside her bathroom. She could smell gas, says the arrest document for Barney.
The victim installed cameras after the first incident, and it captured a glow appearing shortly before the fire was discovered. Police also photographed shoe print impressions.
“During the first two fires, the victim, and her two minor children were asleep inside the house, thus making it an aggravated circumstance,” the police report says.
3rd dispatch
At 2:40 a.m. Sept. 22, police were dispatched for a prowler at the same address as the arson incidents.
“A subject dressed all in black enters the victim’s property climbing over the fence on the southwest corner of the house at 01:11 hours. The subject walks to the south. The subject walks to the same bathroom window from the prior two arson incidents, looks in the window, then walks to the front corner of the house.
“The subject looks up at the camera, and puts his hand up in front of his face, where he is seen wearing a black mask.”
The victim stated that she recognized the man’s walk, limp, and body and head movements as those of Barney.
She also recognized the gloves caught on camera as some that she had bought him, and she recognized his shoe prints, which match previous partial prints photographed at the scene in earlier investigations, court documents say.
Barney was caught on another recording walking away from the area, the arrest document says. Officer’s responding to his residence found his car warm, and a glove in a vehicle like that seen on the area surveillance recording.
“Camera footage was provided by Delmar’s father, and brother. The footage shows Delmar leaving the residence before the time of the fire, and returning just over approximately one hour later.”
Footage caught Barney’s clothing as he left home and returned. It matched the outfit caught on the victim’s camera, the statement says.
Arrest
A warranted search of Barney’s residence turned up drugs, prompting additional charges.
“Delmar has shown complete disregard for the protective order,” the arresting officer’s statement says. “Delmar placed the residents of the home, including the adult female victim, the adult male victim, and two minor children in immediate danger of serious bodily injury, or death.
“The last incident was clearly targeted at the female victim’s bedroom window, of which Delmar knew to be the victim’s. Delmar targeted the adult female, and escalated his attacks each time.”
Barney was ordered held without bail in the Sevier County jail.
Sevier County Court Building. Photo: Google Streets
