Lutsen Resort owner to stand trial on arson, insurance fraud charges

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — The owner of Lutsen Resort will stand trial for the February 2024 fire that destroyed the historic North Shore lodge. Judge Michelle Anderson this week found probable cause to support arson and insurance fraud charges against Bryce James Campbell, denying his bid to dismiss the case entirely. The Canadian businessman, 42, was arrested and charged last December with burning down the iconic building, which he had owned since 2018, and seeking to collect more than $16 million from an insurance company. The defense challenged the allegations, arguing authorities had not provided a "coherent, or any, theory" of how they believe Campbell ignited the fire. He has repeatedly denied responsibility. Prosecutors acknowledge the case is circumstantial, as are many arson investigations. They have pointed to Campbell’s financial struggles, his statements to other people, and his presence in the building mere minutes before the fire broke out.

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