Jurors deadlock in federal arson trial linked to Palisades wildfire
A federal jury in Los Angeles remains deadlocked after two days of deliberations in the arson trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of starting the Lachman Fire on Jan. 1, 2025, which later escalated into the Palisades Fire. The judge is seeking ways to break the stalemate, with the defense requesting an Allen charge. Prosecutors say surveillance footage, cellphone data, and Rinderknecht’s own statements place him at the ignition, while the defense contends there is no physical evidence tying him to the fires and argues for possible separate origins. A mistrial could result if no verdict is reached and deliberations continue or restart with new instructions.
