LOS ANGELES, June 27 (Our Los Angeles) — A federal judge in Los Angeles declared a mistrial Friday in the case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is charged with starting the fire that became the Palisades Fire, after jurors said they could not reach a unanimous verdict.
Jurors told U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang they were deadlocked 10-2 in favor of acquittal. Rinderknecht had pleaded not guilty to three federal counts, including destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and a timber-related charge.
Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht used a barbecue lighter on Jan. 1, 2025, to ignite a blaze that later flared into the Palisades Fire on Jan. 7. Defense lawyer Steve Haney has said the government lacked evidence tying Rinderknecht to a lighter or accelerants.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said his office plans to retry the case. Hwang set a retrial date for Oct. 19 and ordered Rinderknecht held until then.
California fire officials said the Palisades Fire burned more than 23,000 acres and destroyed roughly 6,500 to nearly 7,000 structures in Pacific Palisades.
