'They don't have the goods': Residents criticize plans to retry Palisades fire arson case
Key takeaways
- After a jury failed to reach a verdict in the trial of a man accused of starting the Palisades fire, First Assistant U.S.
- Observers say the jury’s 10-2 vote in favor of acquitting Jonathan Rinderknecht was a major blow to Essayli’s office.
- They really don’t have the evidence to bring it home.”
From left, Jonathan Rinderknecht’s sister, Leah Rinderknecht, father Joel Rinderknecht and brother Joel Rinderknecht speak to the media on Friday outside the U.S. Courthouse after a mistrial was declared in the Palisades fire arson case against Jonathan Rinderknecht. (Carlin Stiehl / For The Times) By Alene Tchekmedyian Staff Writer Follow June 29, 2026 2:03 PM PT 7 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
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After a jury failed to reach a verdict in the trial of a man accused of starting the Palisades fire, First Assistant U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli quickly announced that his office would retry the case.