Springdale man’s assault trial reset

FAYETTEVILLE — A Springdale man who police say tried to set his wife on fire in September had his case reset Monday in Washington County Circuit Court.

Edmund Linka, 50, of 1908 Robyn Road has pleaded innocent to attempted capital murder, attempted arson, aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a minor, all felonies. He was given a new court date of March 2. He’s being held in the Washington County jail in lieu of $50,000 bond.

The defense requested the delay to allow more time to investigate and interview potential witnesses.

Springdale police went to the home about 8 a.m. Sept. 28 in response to a domestic disturbance call, according to a police report.

Linka was holding a steak knife and had other knives clipped to his pockets and pants while he talked to an officer, according to the report.

Linka told police that he poured gasoline in every room of the house, then on his wife, intending to burn her and himself, according to the report.

Attempted capital murder is punishable by 10-40 years or life in prison.