Anthony Gonzalez (Photo courtesy Door County Jail)
STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Anthony Gonzalez was sentenced Friday to 15 years in prison for inadvertently setting the fire which killed two people who lived above a bar.
Gonzalez, 60, was previously convicted of two counts of reckless homicide and other charges for the Feb. 22, 2022 fire above Butch’s Bar. Victor Jurss and Gary Heise were killed, while others were injured.
He was also placed on extended supervision for 15 years by Judge D. Todd Ehlers. Gonzalez also must pay restitution of $5,607.38.
District Attorney Colleen Nordin recommended a 15-year prison term. She noted Gonzalez changed his story in the presentence report, shifting blame away from him, as one reason a lengthy prison sentence is needed to protect the public.
Defense attorney Aileen Henry said her client was remorseful. While prison time is warranted, she argued for a shorter sentence than the prosecutor’s recommendation.
Two of Jurss’ family members spoke in court, criticizing Gonzalez for what they consider a lack of remorse, and asking for a lengthy sentence.
A letter from Gonzalez’s sister was read in court, apologizing for Anthony Gonzalez’s actions and offering condolences to the victims and their families.
In his comments, Gonzalez admitted to accidentally starting the fire in his room, but put it out within 10 seconds. He says he went to other rooms to try to get people out but there was another fire.
“I do not believe my fire started Butch’s Bar on fire, I don’t. And that’s why it makes it hard for me to accept what I’m getting charged with. But I do have remorse. I ran out of my room and I did everything correctly. I tried to save as many lives as I could that day,” he said.
He told the victims and their family members he is sorry for their loss. He said he understands they have nothing but hate for him, but if could trade his life for the victims’, he would gladly do it.
The judge rejected Gonzalez’s argument that he wasn’t responsible, and listed multiple parties Gonzalez blamed for the circumstances which brought him to sentencing.
“So, that blaming others, and everyone else, other than yourself, again, is especially troubling for me and indicates to me, in spite of what you say here today, a lack of remorse and responsibility,” Judge Ehlers said.
Gonzalez tried to comment after court, but the judge denied it. As he walked out, Gonzalez said there would be an appeal.
Prosecutors say Gonzalez originally admitted to inadvertently setting the fire.
“I was filling a butane lighter and it sprayed all over. All of a sudden it all ignited. It was a enough fluid to start a quarter of the bed on fire. I ran and grabbed a fire extinguisher, thought I blasted it out, but something else was burning, and it was too hot for me to stay in the room. I started pounding on all the doors to get people out,” the complaint quotes him as saying.
Investigators say Gonzalez told others to call 911 when the fire started. After the fire was put out, officials found two dead among the rubble and another tenant was sent to a Milwaukee burn center.
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