Judge Declares Mistrial in Federal Arson Case Related to Palisades Fire
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 30, faces three counts of arson in connection with the January 2025 wildfires in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles County. The federal charges include destruction of property by fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and vegetation fire. On Thursday, the jury initially indicated they had reached a unanimous decision but later sent a note to the judge stating they were deadlocked. The judge ordered the panel to return to court on Friday in an effort to resolve the impasse. On Friday, the mistrial was declared after jurors indicated they could not reach a verdict. The judge announced the decision following reports of deep divisions among the jurors. The U.S. Attorney's Office stated that the trial would continue. Legal experts described the situation as highly unusual, with potential instructions from the judge to encourage further deliberation. Prosecutors presented evidence placing Rinderknecht at the scene of the first fire, while the defense argued there was insufficient evidence to prove he intentionally started the fire. Rinderknecht faces federal charges alleging he ignited the Lachman fire and caused subsequent destruction during a historic Santa Ana windstorm. Twelve people died in the Palisades fire, but Rinderknecht was not charged in connection with those deaths.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
