Burbank man faces felony charges after allegedly locking mother in burning home
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
BURBANK – A 35-year-old man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly locking his mother inside her home and setting it ablaze Sunday.
Nakoda Ray Dunham appeared in Walla Walla County Superior Court Tuesday afternoon where prosecutors provided grim updates on the aftermath of the fire. Dunham is formally charged with second-degree arson, first-degree animal cruelty, and first-degree malicious mischief. Walla Walla County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kelly Buerstatte confirmed all charges are classified as domestic violence felonies.
The charges stem from a dispute at a home in the 400 block of Elizabeth Drive in Burbank. Dunham’s mother, Patty Gaustad, told deputies she was forced to retreat inside to document a verbal altercation with her son before realizing she was locked in as smoke poured into the kitchen. Witnesses reported seeing a man matching Dunham’s description flee the scene in a blue pickup truck as flames became visible.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the state updated the court on the extent of the damage, confirming the house is a total loss. Furthermore, officials reported that one dog on the property has died. Firefighters had previously attempted to save one of Gaustad’s three pets using life-saving compressions for facial burns.
The fire also destroyed a motorcycle and tools belonging to Dunham’s brother. Dunham allegedly told deputies he had been smoking fentanyl and a cigarette in a shop on the property earlier that day but denied knowledge of how the fire started.
The court set bail at $30,000 with a 10 percent cash provision. Dunham is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow (Thursday) at 8:30 a.m.
File photo of Walla Walla County Superior Courthouse
