Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Ironwood woman pleads to arson in Pines fire

By RICHARD JENKINS

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BESSEMER — The woman who started the fire above the Pines Cafe in August pleaded guilty to committing arson in Gogebic County Circuit Court Tuesday.

Hykesha Deshay Martin, 24, pleaded guilty to first degree arson, a felony which carries a potential life sentence.

During the hearing, she testified she didn’t remember exactly how the fire started but that it began after she poured lighter fluid on the bed in her husband’s apartment above the restaurant.

“I don’t really recall exactly what happened, but I know I did it — I just don’t know how. I know...