KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas City woman pleaded not guilty Monday in connection to the October 2015 fire that killed two firefighters and injured two others.
During Thu Hong Nguyen’s arraignment on Monday, her attorney waived the reading of the charges and Nguyen pleaded not guilty to arson and two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree assault for the firefighters who were hurt, and causing catastrophe, which is a Class A felony.
Prosecutors say Nguyen intentionally poured acetone and isopropyl alcohol in the stock room of her nail salon, lit it on fire and then left the building to burn.
Responding firefighters Larry Leggio and John Mesh were killed when a portion of the building collapsed.
Firefighters Chris Anderson and Dan Werner were seriously hurt in the fire. Anderson told the ATF agent that he was buried underneath about 4 feet of brick and debris when the east wall of the building collapsed. He said four of his ribs were broken, he suffered a traumatic brain injury with ongoing symptoms of post-concussion syndrome, and he’s battling a stomach infection that causes him to throw up three to four times a day. Werner says he suffered five leg fractures, a dislocated ankle and torn tendon, and head injuries including a concussion and laceration.
The fire caused significant damage to surrounding businesses and apartments in the building including Snyder’s Market, Gracie’s Store, Jackson Hewitt tax preparation and Speedy Cash Payday Loan.
Nguyen is being held on $2 million cash bond and is expected to appear in court again on Feb. 9. Her family claims she is innocent.