LOS ANGELES, June 27 (Our Los Angeles) — A federal judge in Los Angeles declared a mistrial Friday in the arson trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht after jurors said they could not agree on a verdict in the case tied to the Palisades Fire.
Rinderknecht was charged in federal court with destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and burning timber on public land. He pleaded not guilty.
During the hearing, Judge Anne Hwang said the jury remained split 10-2 in favor of acquittal. Hwang set a retrial date of Oct. 19 and ordered Rinderknecht held until then.
Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht used a barbecue lighter on Jan. 1, 2025, to start a fire that later reignited and became the Palisades Fire. Defense lawyers have disputed that account and said the government did not have enough evidence tying a lighter or accelerants to him.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the office plans to retry the case. The Palisades Fire erupted Jan. 7, burned more than 23,000 acres and destroyed roughly 6,500 to nearly 7,000 structures, according to California fire officials. The fire killed 12 people.
