Jury finds Feras Rahman not guilty of starting Pizza Man fire

MILWAUKEE — 28-year-old Feras Rahman was not found guilty Friday, May 18th, of starting the fire that destroyed the Pizza Man restaurant along with other businesses two years ago. Rahman was found guilty of lying to officers, but found not guilty of arson and mail fraud.

The fire at the Pizza Man restaurant raged on the corner of North and Oakland Avenue, and 155 firefighters battled to contain it. Several were injured. Four businesses, including the landmark Pizza Man, were destroyed.

Rahman ran the Black and White Cafe – one of four businesses in the Pizza Man complex where the fire originated.

Thursday, May 17th, in federal court, lawyers on both sides made their closing arguments.

The prosecution admitted they only have circumstantial evidence to prove their case. However, they argued Rahman is the only one that had access to his business, and the only one with motive to burn it down.

Defense lawyers pounced on the lack of direct evidence, pointing to another possible suspect they claim wasn’t fully investigated. Their goal was to show there is enough reasonable doubt that Rahman cannot be convicted.

The 12-person jury entered deliberations Thursday evening, and delivered their verdict Friday afternoon.

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