YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — A Yakima tavern was destroyed by a fire Saturday after its owner testified in a federal murder trial. The Yakima Herald-Republic reports Yakima firefighters were called around 4:40 a.m. about the fire at the Brownstone Tavern near Harrah. Tavern owner Tim Castilleja testified last week in the trial of Jordan Stevens, who was found guilty of murder in the 2019 death of Alillia “Lala” Minthorn of Toppenish. Castilleja was arrested after he failed to show up to testify and brought to court. He said he was afraid to testify against Stevens. The cause of the blaze hasn’t been determined and whether it was connected to the trial wasn’t known. Federal agencies are investigating the fire.
Fire destroys bar days after owner testified in murder trial
