Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin – Anthony Gonzalez, a 60-year-old Wisconsin man, has been sentenced to prison following a tragic fire at Butch’s Bar in 2022. The fire claimed the lives of two individuals and razed the building to the ground.

Sentencing Details

A jury found Gonzalez guilty of reckless homicide and other charges earlier this year. On Friday, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison along with 15 years of extended supervision.

Incident Details

Gonzalez admitted to investigators that he accidentally ignited the fire while attempting to refill a cigarette lighter in his room above Butch’s Bar. The blaze quickly engulfed the building, resulting in devastating consequences.

Legal Defense

Aileen Henry, Gonzalez’s attorney, argued that the building lacked adequate fire safety equipment. She contended that Gonzalez’s actions were not reckless, emphasizing that he made efforts to extinguish the fire and warn other residents by knocking on their doors.

Tragic Outcome

At the time of the fire, nine rooms above Butch’s Bar were occupied. Regrettably, two individuals lost their lives in the blaze. Their remains were discovered amidst the rubble and transported to Madison for identification. Another individual sustained injuries and was rushed to a burn center in Milwaukee for treatment.

Appeals Planned

Henry expressed intentions to appeal the verdict following Gonzalez’s sentencing. The legal proceedings surrounding this tragic incident are ongoing.

The sentencing of Anthony Gonzalez serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of fire-related accidents and the importance of adhering to proper safety protocols. As this case continues to unfold, it underscores the need for stringent safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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