LOS ANGELES, June 27 (Our Los Angeles) — A federal judge in Los Angeles declared a mistrial Friday in the arson case against Jonathan Rinderknecht after jurors said they were split 10-2 for acquittal on charges tied to the Palisades Fire.
Rinderknecht had pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court to three counts, including destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and a timber-burning charge involving public land.
Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht used a barbecue lighter on Jan. 1, 2025, to spark a fire that later reignited and became the Palisades Fire on Jan. 7. California fire officials have said the blaze burned more than 23,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures and burned for more than three weeks.
Defense lawyer Steve Haney said the jury split showed the government’s case was not strong. Prosecutors said they intend to retry the case.
Judge Anne Hwang set a retrial date for Oct. 19 and ordered Rinderknecht held until then, according to the court proceedings.
