Trial of Palisades Fire Arson Suspect Ends in Hung Jury

U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang declared a mistrial on Friday, April 26, 2024, in the trial of suspected arsonist Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, after the 12-member jury became hopelessly deadlocked. Rinderknecht faces three federal counts: arson, malicious destruction by means of fire, and timber set aflame. Prosecutors allege he ignited the Jan. 1, 2025, Lachman fire, which reignited on Jan. 7 during a Santa Ana windstorm, leading to the Palisades fire. This subsequent fire resulted in 12 fatalities and the destruction of over 6,000 homes in the Pacific Palisades community. The jury deliberated since Wednesday morning, initially indicating a decision before informing the judge they could not reach a unanimous verdict, with 10 jurors voting not guilty and two insisting on guilt. Judge Hwang denied the prosecution's request for more deliberation time due to the "risk of coercion." Defense attorney Steve Haney noted the vote count indicated a significant division within the jury.