Jury convicts Cedar Rapids mother who started blaze in child’s bedroom

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Linn County jury Friday convicted a Cedar Rapids woman of starting a fire in her child’s bedroom while the child and others were in the apartment building.

The jury, after deliberating about three hours following about two days of testimony, found Tiffany Shivaon Rankins, 45, guilty of first-degree arson. She faces up to 25 years in prison and must serve 70 percent before being eligible for parole.

According to a complaint, Cedar Rapids police and fire investigators concluded Rankins intentionally started a fire May 24, 2023, with combustible material in her child’s bedroom within an apartment at 2269 C St. SW. Rankins was aware other tenants were in the building. Her child was in another apartment at the time.

Rankins had to be rescued by police from the bathroom inside the apartment. She told police she wanted to kill herself and her child, the complaint stated.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Liz Dupuich will sentence Rankins on July 29 in Linn County District Court.

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