Key facts
- A jury in the trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of starting the 2025 Palisades Fire, has declared itself deadlocked.
- Jurors stated they were unable to reach a unanimous decision on the charges of arson, malicious destruction by fire, and timber set aflame.
- The jury indicated that members were "dead set, unwavering and unwilling to change their opinion."
- Judge Anne Hwang offered further assistance, but the jury declined.
- Attorneys are now evaluating their options, with Rinderknecht's defense suggesting a stronger jury instruction (Allen charge).
Attorneys are considering their next moves after a jury in the trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of sparking the 2025 Palisades Fire, reported being deadlocked. After two days of deliberations, jurors informed Judge Anne Hwang that they could not reach a unanimous decision on the three federal charges against Rinderknecht: arson, malicious destruction by means of a fire, and timber set aflame.
In a note to the judge, the jury stated, "We have people on both sides that are dead set, unwavering and unwilling to change their opinion. We are at a standstill. We are unsure how to proceed." Earlier, the jury had indicated they had reached a unanimous verdict, making Thursday's announcement a surprise.
Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht started a fire on January 1, 2025, which later flared up on January 7, burning through Pacific Palisades and Malibu and resulting in 12 fatalities. The defense has argued that fireworks were a more likely cause of the blaze.
Judge Hwang offered to provide additional instructions or re-read testimony, but the jury declined. When asked if they were split on all three charges, the jury confirmed they were. Prosecutors suggested offering additional arguments to encourage deliberation, while Rinderknecht's attorneys proposed an Allen charge, a stronger instruction urging a hung jury to continue deliberations. The judge typically takes multiple steps before declaring a mistrial.
Rinderknecht, who has pleaded not guilty, has been incarcerated for 10 months. His father, brother, and sister were present in court during the proceedings.