Mistrial in Palisades Fire Case

Toronto News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 26, 2026 · 1m

A wildfire that killed 31 people and destroyed Malibu’s elite neighborhoods was sparked by a man accused of arson — but the jury couldn’t agree on guilt. Jonathan Rinderknecht, a rideshare driver, faced charges for allegedly igniting the Palisades Fire, which reignited after being thought extinguished. Prosecutors claimed he targeted the wealthy area out of rage against capitalism, while his defense argued he was a helpful citizen who reported the fire — and that fireworks, not his actions, were to blame. After a deadlocked jury, a mistrial was declared, but prosecutors vow to retry him…