PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — A federal judge declared a mistrial on June 26, 2026 after jurors deadlocked in the arson trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, 30, over the January 1 Lachman fire that prosecutors say became the Palisades fire.
Jurors deliberated 13 hours across two days. Prosecutors said they will retry the case, with trial set to begin October 19 and the defendant remaining in custody.
Who’s involved
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
Where to get help
Legal aid partners hold free clinics at the Hub for survivors weighing their options. See upcoming clinics.