Lutsen Lodge Arson Suspect to Stand Trial

(KNSI) — A Cook County judge has refused to dismiss the case against the owner of Lutsen Lodge, who is accused of burning down the historic North Shore resort for insurance money.

Judge Michelle Anderson has ruled there is enough evidence for 42-year-old Bryce James Campbell to stand trial on three counts of first-degree arson and one count of insurance fraud. Campbell’s attorney, Eric Newmark, asked the court to throw out all four counts for lack of probable cause.

Newmark argues investigators never determined what started the February 6th, 2024, fire and could not rule out an electrical failure. Prosecutors with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office say arson cases are often circumstantial, and that Campbell’s finances and his presence at the lodge point to an intentional fire.

Anderson points to evidence that Campbell knew no guests were registered that night and spent time near the water heaters, where the fire started. The night manager noticed smoke in the lobby within five minutes of when investigators believe Campbell left. According to the order, Campbell watched the fire from a nearby hillside without checking on the manager or speaking with firefighters.

Court documents say Campbell’s companies owed more than $14 million at the time of the fire, and that he later filed an insurance claim of about $16.5 million. Campbell has repeatedly denied involvement. His company is also suing Owners Insurance Company over the denial of that claim, but the civil case is on hold.

Campbell is due back in court on November 30th. No trial date has been set.

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