The jury in the federal trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of starting the blaze that became the devastating Palisades Fire, reported being deadlocked Thursday, prompting a halt in deliberations until Friday.
Rinderknecht faces three federal charges: destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and timber set afire. If convicted, he faces up to 45 years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Federal prosecutors allege Rinderknecht, who was working as an Uber driver at the time, intentionally started a brush fire, known as the Lachman Fire, shortly after midnight on January 1, 2025. They contend that despite initial suppression efforts, the fire smoldered and reignited days later amid high winds, evolving into the Palisades Fire. This wildfire devastated neighborhoods in Los Angeles County, resulting in 12 fatalities.
Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Rinderknecht was motivated by societal grievances, including wealth disparity and climate change, expressing these concerns in messages with ChatGPT. They also noted his fixation on Luigi Mangione, a figure charged in a separate murder case, with Rinderknecht allegedly searching for news about Mangione and expressing anti-billionaire sentiments online.
According to the prosecution, Rinderknecht went to Skull Rock Trailhead in Topanga State Park on New Year's Eve 2024 after dropping off a passenger. They claim he used a BIC lighter to start the Lachman Fire, asserting it was not caused by natural factors like lightning, fireworks, or power lines. Evidence presented included Rinderknecht calling 911 multiple times to report the fire he allegedly started, and taking videos of it, which prosecutors argued was suspicious behavior pointing to his guilt. He also reportedly told investigators he saw no fireworks when the Lachman Fire began and suggested wealth disparity could be a motive for arson.
The defense, led by attorney Steve Haney, argued that Rinderknecht was in the area to watch fireworks and that the Lachman Fire was indeed started by them. Haney maintained that Rinderknecht called 911 to attempt to extinguish the fire and asserted that the government lacked direct evidence proving Rinderknecht started the Lachman Fire. During closing statements, Haney questioned the prosecution's theory that the Lachman Fire was a "holdover" blaze that eventually became the Palisades Fire.
The trial included testimony from arson and fire experts, digital and cellular evidence, audio recordings of Rinderknecht's interviews and 911 calls, and accounts from individuals impacted by the Palisades Fire. The Palisades Fire, which erupted on January 7, 2025, burned over 23,000 acres, destroyed nearly 7,000 structures, and significantly impacted the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. This occurred concurrently with the Eaton Fire, which burned over 14,000 acres and destroyed more than 9,400 structures, killing 19 people. Both fires spread rapidly due to strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions.
Rinderknecht was arrested in Florida nine months after the Palisades Fire. The jury began deliberations Wednesday morning and reported the deadlock Thursday afternoon, citing the presence of two jurors with unwavering stances. They are scheduled to return Friday morning to continue their efforts to reach a verdict.