Wisconsin man gets 15 years in prison for Door County bar fire that killed two

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A Wisconsin man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for seven felony counts related to the death of two people in a Door County bar fire, according to court documents obtained by the Wisconsin Law Journal.

Anthony Gonzalez was convicted on May 10 of five counts of 2nd-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety and two counts of 2nd Degree Reckless Homicide over a 2022 fire at Butch’s Bar in Sturgeon Bay, according to court records.

A sentence hearing was held May 10 and Attorney Aileen Henry represented Gonzalez.

During sentencing, Door County Circuit Court Judge D. Todd Ehlers noted Gonzalez lacked remorse and blamed others, factors considered during sentencing.

Door County District Attorney Colleen Catherine Nordin prosecuted the case.

According to court records, Gonzalez was founded guilty on Jan. 30, 2024, at a jury trial.

The original incident occurred on Feb. 22, 2022, according to court documents obtained by the Wisconsin Law Journal.

On Feb. 22, 2022, Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) joined the Sturgeon Bay Police Department and interviewed Gonzalez.

During the interview, Gonzalez denied being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to court documents.

Authorities said Gonzalez lied to police and said he accidentally started the fire in his room above the bar while attempting to refill a cigarette lighter.

The fire ultimately resulted in the loss of two lives.

Sturgeon Bay resident Victor L. Jurss, 54, who was originally from Sheboygan, was the first victim.

Gary Michael Heise, 67, of Sturgeon Bay, was the second victim.

A third victim was also seriously injured, according to court documents.

As a term of the sentence, Gonzalez must provide a DNA sample to remain on file with the state of Wisconsin and pay a DNA surcharge, according to court records.

As of May 19, Gonzalez still owes the court $4,243.24. He was initially assessed a fee of $12,244.62.