A federal judge declared a mistrial in the arson case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, the 29-year-old man accused of sparking the deadly 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, after the jury announced it was deadlocked.
Jury deadlocked after 13 hours of deliberation
Jurors deliberated for over 13 hours on Thursday on whether to convict Rinderknecht on three federal charges—arson, malicious destruction by means of a fire, and timber set aflame—before announcing they could not reach a unanimous verdict. Judge Anne Hwang declared a mistrial on Friday, noting that 10 jurors favored a not-guilty verdict while two were determined to convict. “The court finds there is a manifest necessity to declare a mistrial because the jury is deadlocked,” Hwang said.
A note from the jury read by the judge stated: “We have people on both sides that are dead set, unwavering and unwilling to change their opinion.” The jury also said there was nothing the court could do to help and that they were split on all three charges.
Background of the Palisades Fire
The Palisades Fire scorched more than 23,000 acres in the affluent Palisades enclave in January 2025, damaging over 6,000 buildings and killing 12 people. The catastrophe drew national attention as images of amber skies and mansions reduced to rubble circulated widely.
Upon arresting Rinderknecht last year, law enforcement officials alleged the fire was a continuation of a smaller brush fire, known as the Lachman fire, which Rinderknecht allegedly set on New Year's Day 2025. Firefighters suppressed that initial blaze, but its embers smoldered underground before resurfacing due to heavy winds, according to officials.
Prosecution and defense arguments
During the trial, prosecutors described Rinderknecht as a troubled individual who turned to arson as retribution against society for grievances including a failed romantic relationship and disdain for wealth inequality. Rinderknecht's defense attorneys, however, maintained he was not responsible for either fire. They portrayed him as a good Samaritan, citing evidence that he called 911 on January 1 regarding the Lachman fire.
According to Courthouse News, Rinderknecht told investigators he was drawn to a hiking trail in his old neighborhood by “nostalgia” and spotted the fire as he was departing down the hill. Defense attorneys also argued that the initial fire was caused by fireworks, though this theory was undermined by conflicting witness testimony. Robert Appleford, a Los Angeles fire department firefighter, testified he heard pyrotechnics that holiday, while his captain, Dave Sanders, said he did not, per the Associated Press. Rinderknecht himself previously told investigators the evening was “unusually calm” with no firework noise.
Next steps and related lawsuits
Rinderknecht faced between five and 45 years in prison. Prosecutors had asked Judge Hwang to instruct the jury to deliberate longer, but she declined, citing a “risk of coercion” given the jury's definitive stance. In a post on X, US Attorney Bill Essayli of Los Angeles said his office intends to retry the case before a new jury.
Separately, thousands of Los Angeles residents whose property was destroyed or damaged are suing the city and state of California, alleging negligence in the emergency response.
