HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — Emerging from the Henrico County Courthouse, Tiara Black was acquitted on charges of arson related to the fire that destroyed her Lakeside Burgers & Fries restaurant last year. Black, a local entrepreneur who also owns Eat 66 in Stratford Hills, has faced extensive legal scrutiny since the incident that razed the business she acquired in October 2023.
Previously named Carytown Burgers & Fries and located at 5404 Lakeside Ave., the establishment suffered a devastating fire in February 2024, just months after Black’s acquisition. The blaze led to investigations and subsequent arrests of Shelby Castaneda, a close friend and manager at Eat 66, and her brother, Jordan Castaneda. Both were charged with arson and conspiracy to commit arson.
As the case unfolded, Black was also implicated and faced felony counts, including arson and obtaining money by false pretenses. Prosecutors contended that Black was in financial straits and conspired with the Castanedas to burn down the restaurant to claim insurance money.
However, during a two-day jury trial where the Castanedas testified—stating they hoped their cooperation might lead to lighter sentences—the jury cleared Black of all charges. The trial not only examined the events leading up to the fire but also the dissolution of a significant personal and professional relationship. Shelby and Black had been friends for a decade, a bond that began through their connections in the restaurant industry.
Witnesses, including Shelby’s mother, described their once close-knit relationship, adding emotional depth to the courtroom drama. Shelby’s mother recalled occasions when Black was considered part of their family, sharing holidays together.
Further details emerged about the operational challenges Black faced after taking over the Lakeside location. Employees from Eat 66 testified about growing tensions, stemming from what was described as Shelby’s declining work ethic and frustration over lack of recognition.
During the trial, evidence was presented about the restaurant’s struggles, including financial losses and potential closure risks flagged during a health inspection. Just days before the fire, conversations about necessary repairs were twisted into accusations of conspiracy. Testimonies from Jordan alleged that Black had directly solicited him to commit arson, a claim she fervently denied, asserting the restaurant was doing well.
In contrast, Black’s defense pointed to discrepancies in the prosecution’s narrative and emphasized the lack of reliability in the testimonies given by the Castanedas, both of whom had prior criminal records. This called into question the credibility of the witnesses and the feasibility of the prosecution’s case.
The defense argued that the situation was not as dire as portrayed, suggesting that the allegations were overblown. After approximately 90 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty, leading to emotional scenes in the courtroom as Black was embraced by her supporters.
Reflecting on the trial’s outcome, her attorney expressed relief and gratitude for the jury’s decision, emphasizing Black’s determination to tell her side of the story. Despite the acquittal, the future of Lakeside Burgers & Fries remains uncertain, with the building still closed.
The legal drama is set to continue with a scheduled hearing for the Castanedas next month. In a sobering exchange during the trial, when asked what they gained from the ordeal, both siblings succinctly captured their grim reality—one remarked simply on acquiring a lawyer, while the other lamented the addition of two felony charges to their record.
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