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Jurors in the federal trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of igniting the devastating Palisades Fire, are deadlocked. On Thursday (June 25), they informed the judge they couldn't reach a unanimous verdict in the case. The trial centers on Rinderknecht's alleged role in starting the Lachman Fire on New Year's Eve, which later reignited into the Palisades Fire, killing 12 people and destroying thousands of homes in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors claim Rinderknecht, a former Uber driver, set the fire out of resentment toward the wealthy. They allege he used a BIC lighter to ignite the fire at Skull Rock Trailhead in Topanga State Park after dropping off a passenger. The fire, initially suppressed, flared up again due to high winds, becoming one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history. Rinderknecht was arrested nine months later in Florida.
The defense, led by attorney Steve Haney, argues there's no direct evidence linking Rinderknecht to the fire. Haney suggested the fire was caused by fireworks and emphasized Rinderknecht's multiple 911 calls as evidence of his innocence. He described Rinderknecht as a scapegoat for the city's failure to protect the area.
The jury began deliberations on Wednesday (June 24) and reported being deadlocked by Thursday afternoon. Two jurors remained unwavering in their opinions. The court is adjourned, and deliberations will resume on Friday (June 26) at 9 a.m. PT. If the jury remains deadlocked, the judge may declare a mistrial.
Rinderknecht faces three federal charges, including destruction of property by means of fire and arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, carrying a potential sentence of up to 45 years in prison. The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for wildfire management and legal responsibility.