MASON CITY, Iowa – A trial is set for the man accused of trying to burn down his family’s home.

Dustin Jon Baltierra, 39 of Mason City, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree arson.

Court documents state that Baltierra got into an argument with his wife on the morning of July 17 about their marriage ending. Law enforcement says after his wife left, Baltierra started a fire in the breezeway of their home in the 100 block of 15 th Street NW.

Neighbors told investigators they saw Baltierra sitting outside the home with his dog as it burned.

His trial is scheduled to begin on October 21 in Cerro Gordo County District Court.

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