Lynette Hansen, owner of the former Hansen’s Hotel, said that she is looking forward to March 17, the court date set for the Zeidan Salem Ammar.
Ammar, the owner of the former Jack’s Place located in the hotel, is facing one count of arson to property and six counts of arson endangering life and is expected to enter a plea on March 17.
If Ammar chooses to plead not guilty to the charges, then he will be asked if he would prefer a trial by judge alone or by a judge and jury.
If the case does go to trial, Hansen expects her kids and likely herself will be called upon to testify.
“You just hope that everything works out in court,” said Hansen, adding that the incident has devastated her family financially and has taken a huge emotional toll.
She has avoided returning to St. Paul since the fire partly because she knows that people will want to talk about it and she cannot disclose any information that might be brought up in court.
Hansen said that she has not received any money from the insurance company yet but is expecting a cheque to arrive soon. She said that she would like to re-build a bar and restaurant business in St. Paul because the local people are so great. However, the fire has made her nervous about rebuilding the hotel portion.
Hansen said that the police have submitted her son and daughter for a bravery award for their efforts in getting all of the people out of the fire.