A federal jury has deadlocked in the Palisades Fire trial involving Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is accused of starting the devastating 2025 wildfire in Los Angeles. Deliberations will continue.

A federal jury has failed to reach a unanimous verdict in the trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, the 30-year-old man accused of starting the catastrophic 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County.

After two days of deliberations following a 10-day trial, jurors informed the judge that they were hopelessly divided. Although the panel initially reported that it had reached a decision, it quickly sent a second note explaining that members remained split and could not agree on a verdict.

Jurors Say They Are at a Standstill

According to court proceedings, the jury told the judge that members on both sides were firm in their positions and unable to reach a unanimous decision.

The judge asked whether additional legal instructions or a review of testimony would help resolve the disagreement. However, jurors replied that no further guidance would change their positions and that they remained deadlocked.

The judge instructed the panel to return the following day and continue deliberations.

Charges Against Jonathan Rinderknecht

Federal prosecutors have charged Rinderknecht with multiple offenses, including:

• Destruction of property by means of fire
• Arson affecting property used in interstate commerce
• Timber set afire

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

If the jury remains unable to reach a unanimous decision, the judge could declare a mistrial. Prosecutors would then decide whether to retry the case.

Prosecutors’ Allegations

Federal prosecutors claim that Rinderknecht intentionally started a small wildfire on January 1, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades area.

Investigators believe firefighters initially contained the blaze, but hidden embers continued burning underground. Days later, powerful Santa Ana winds reignited the fire, causing it to spread rapidly across the region.

Prosecutors argued that the defendant was motivated by anger, loneliness, and resentment toward wealthy communities.

Defense Rejects the Claims

Defense attorneys argued there is no direct physical evidence connecting Rinderknecht to the devastating wildfire.

They also claimed the original Lachman Fire and the later Palisades Fire were separate incidents and that prosecutors failed to prove their client was responsible for the destruction.

One of the Costliest Wildfires in U.S. History

The Palisades Fire became one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles County history.

According to authorities, the wildfire:

• Burned more than 23,000 acres
• Destroyed around 6,800 buildings
• Claimed at least 12 lives
• Caused billions of dollars in property damage

The disaster was fueled by severe drought conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds, making containment extremely difficult.

What Happens Next?

Jurors are expected to continue deliberating. If they eventually reach a unanimous verdict, the trial will conclude. If the deadlock continues, the judge may declare a mistrial, leaving federal prosecutors to determine whether to pursue a new trial.