If you perused Delmar Ray Barney’s social media, you’d think he was madly in love with his ex-wife, Katey Barney. Yet court documents show police have arrested the Utah man for allegedly trying to set his ex’s house on fire multiple times, along with several other charges. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Video surveillance reportedly caught Delmar Ray in the act. It has left many wondering why he would do such a thing to someone he loved.
According to court documents obtained by KSL, Delmar Barney allegedly set three fires at Katey Barney’s home beginning on September 11, 2025. She was not home at the time but returned to find part of her yard and the siding outside her bathroom window torched.
On September 12, Delmar Barney shared a cryptic social media post. “I’ve thought long and hard about all ive done to you…you know ive always appreciated and valued you for everything you did ive always held myself accountable for wat I have done and you know ive regretted it ever since….im ready to do right by you do everything i have i said id do and continue to do,” he wrote.
After the first fire, Katey Barney installed security cameras that later caught the arsonist in the act. Delmar Barney allegedly returned on September 15 around 1:20 a.m. and set another fire. This time, the flames caused more significant damage.
On September 22, around 2:40 a.m., police came to the home once again, following a report of a suspicious man.
“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,” court documents state, per KSL. “The victim stated without any doubt she recognizes the walk, the way the legs move, the way the arms move, the small limp, and the way his head moves down right before the camera. The victim stated she’s known Delmar Barney, her ex-husband, for 15 years, and was certain that was his walk.”
Delmar Barney allegedly returned and set a third fire on October 5 that burned part of the inside of Katey Barney’s home, and this time, surveillance caught the act.
“The subject ignites an item and throws it at the house,” investigators reported. “The subject appears to start to run away, then comes back to the house, grabs some rocks, then grabs the ignited item and throws it at the house again as it explodes.”
Many have shared their support for Katey Barney and her children as they work through this nightmare. Larena Barney shared her thoughts on the situation on Facebook, condemning Delmar Barney’s actions.
“I want to speak out in the behalf of ‘my family’ clearly bloodline is no choice of any of us; so for that I’m sorry I am related to Delmar! But please consider when you speak of the family there are some of us who not only are one hundred percent not like him; but some of us don’t even communicate with them! We are truly sorry that Delmar is just dumb enough to try and harm a beautiful girl inside and out! Until hearing this outrageous news some of us even had a clue of the things taking place,” she wrote.
“I like katey; hell I love the girl! I am one hundred percent with each and everyone here who says he’s narcissistic; wrong;piece of crap; and I am one hundred percent behind katey and her sweet boys! Please remember the few of us that are not even close to being like that; we are only human! Praying for you katey! You know where I stsnd! Thanks guys! Night,” she continued in her post.
Richfield City Police arrested Delmar Barney, who faces 20 charges, including aggravated arson, aggravated assault, attempted murder, violating a protection order, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia, per KSL. He is being held without bond.
Thankfully, Katey Barney and her children are safe. Hopefully, Delmar Barney gets the help he needs. If he’s convicted, he’ll have a long time in jail to think about what he’s truly lost.
