LOS ANGELES, June 27 (Our Los Angeles) — A federal judge in Los Angeles declared a mistrial Friday in the case of Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is accused in federal court of starting the fire that later became the Palisades Fire, after jurors said they could not reach a unanimous verdict.
Rinderknecht is charged with destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and burning timber on public land. He has pleaded not guilty.
Judge Anne Hwang ended the trial after the jury reported it was split 10-2 in favor of acquittal. She set a retrial for Oct. 19 and ordered Rinderknecht held until then.
The U.S. attorney’s office in the Central District of California said it plans to try the case again.
Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht used a barbecue lighter on Jan. 1, 2025, to start a fire that later reignited and became the Palisades Fire. Defense attorney Steve Haney has said the government did not have enough evidence to convict him.
California fire officials said the fire erupted Jan. 7, burned more than 23,000 acres over more than three weeks and destroyed roughly 6,500 to nearly 7,000 structures. Officials have said 12 people died.
