A federal jury in Los Angeles has deadlocked in the trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, a 30-year-old former Uber driver accused of setting the deadly 2025 Palisades Fire. The jury, which deliberated for more than 13 hours, informed U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang on Thursday that they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict. The judge instructed the jury to return on Friday to continue deliberations, signaling a potential mistrial if no agreement is reached.
Rinderknecht is charged with destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and timber set afire. Prosecutors allege that Rinderknecht deliberately set a blaze in the Santa Monica Mountains on New Year’s Day 2025, which later grew into one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in U.S. history. The fire claimed at least a dozen lives and caused extensive damage in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Rinderknecht was mentally unstable and sought vengeance against the wealthy. Defense attorneys have not publicly commented on the specifics of their strategy but indicated the trial may result in a hung jury. If a mistrial is declared, federal prosecutors would have to decide whether to retry Rinderknecht, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The jury initially indicated they had reached a verdict but later sent a note stating they were deadlocked. Judge Hwang offered additional instructions or rereading of testimony, but the jury declined, stating nothing would assist in their deliberations. Both the prosecution and defense agreed to further research legal options before the jury reconvened on Friday.