A Sturgeon Bay man who is facing eight charges from the Butch’s Bar fire on February 22 that killed two people pleaded not guilty on Tuesday. Anthony Gonzalez, 58, admitted to local authorities that he had inadvertently started the fire when filling a butane lighter, and fluid spilled on his bed and ignited. Two people were later found deceased from the fire that also displaced nine tenants, including one hospitalized with burns. Court records show that no trial date has been set yet, and Gonzalez will return to court on July 14 for a status conference. Gonzales faces two counts of second-degree reckless homicide (Class D Felony) and seven counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety (Class G Felony).
(photo courtesy of Door County Jail)
