A federal judge has declared a mistrial in the arson case against 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is accused of sparking the deadly 2025 Palisades fire in Los Angeles. The decision came after a jury announced they were deadlocked on Thursday, following more than 13 hours of deliberation.
Rinderknecht faced three federal charges: arson, malicious destruction by means of a fire, and timber set aflame. The January 2025 fire is the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history, leaving 31 people dead and destroying thousands of homes.
Because the jury failed to reach a verdict, prosecutors say the man accused of starting the devastating fire will now face a second trial.