STURGEON BAY, Wis. – Anthony Gonzalez, a Wisconsin man, has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in a devastating fire that claimed the lives of two individuals and razed a building in 2022.

The Incident and Verdict

Gonzalez, aged 60, was convicted by a jury on charges including reckless homicide following the tragedy. He received a sentence of 15 years in prison, coupled with 15 years of extended supervision. The fire, which engulfed Butch’s Bar in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, resulted in significant loss of life and property damage.

Circumstances Surrounding the Fire

Investigations revealed that Gonzalez confessed to inadvertently causing the fire while attempting to refill a cigarette lighter in his room above the bar. Despite his efforts to contain the blaze and warn others by knocking on doors, the fire spread rapidly, leading to fatalities and injuries.

Legal Defense and Response

Gonzalez’s attorney, Aileen Henry, contended that the absence of adequate fire safety equipment in the building mitigated his client’s culpability. Furthermore, Henry argued that Gonzalez’s actions did not meet the threshold for recklessness, given his attempts to extinguish the flames and alert fellow residents.

Impact and Casualties

At the time of the fire, nine rooms were occupied above Butch’s Bar. Tragically, the bodies of two tenants were discovered amidst the ruins of the burnt structure and were later transported to Madison for identification. Additionally, a third individual sustained injuries and was hospitalized at a burn center in Milwaukee.

Plans for Appeal

Expressing dissatisfaction with the verdict, Henry stated her intention to appeal the decision following the sentencing, signaling a potential continuation of legal proceedings in the case.

The The Local News App contributed to the coverage of this report.

Conclusion: Seeking Justice for Tragic Loss

As the legal proceedings unfold, the Sturgeon Bay community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident. The sentencing of Anthony Gonzalez marks a step towards accountability, yet questions linger about the adequacy of fire safety measures and the prevention of similar tragedies in the future.

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