Palisades Fire Retrial: New Jury Selected After First Arson Trial Ended Without Verdict

LOS ANGELES — November 5, 2026. A new federal jury has been selected to hear the retrial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is accused of starting a small brush fire on New Year’s Day 2025 that prosecutors say later reignited as the devastating Palisades Fire. Attorneys completed the panel selection late Tuesday, November 3, according to NBC4 Los Angeles. Opening statements were scheduled for Wednesday morning. This report does not independently claim what evidence was introduced during any subsequent trial session.

Why is there a second trial?

The first federal trial ended in a mistrial in June 2026 because jurors could not agree on a verdict. The reported division was 10–2 in favor of acquittal. Prosecutors chose to retry the case and filed an amended two-count indictment. Rinderknecht, 30, has pleaded not guilty and remains presumed innocent unless and until convicted in court.

Two fires, six days apart

The federal government’s theory distinguishes the January 1 Lachman Fire, which burned about 11 acres in the Pacific Palisades highlands before appearing extinguished, from the much larger January 7 Palisades Fire. Investigators allege underground embers from the first fire persisted and were fanned by severe Santa Ana winds. The resulting wildfire burned approximately 23,400 acres, killed 12 people and destroyed more than 6,800 structures, according to NBC’s account of the retrial.

What do prosecutors and the defense dispute?

Prosecutors contend that Rinderknecht intentionally ignited the first fire and that it caused the later disaster. The defense says the evidence does not establish that the first fire was deliberately set, disputes the claimed link to the January 7 inferno and points to other possible ignition scenarios. These are competing arguments before a court, not established findings about the defendant’s guilt or motive.

Why the case matters to Pacific Palisades and Malibu

Families and businesses continue recovering from extensive destruction and loss. The criminal case addresses alleged responsibility for fire ignition; it should not be confused with separate questions about evacuation, firefighting decisions, rebuilding permits or insurance claims. A verdict cannot be inferred from the fact that a second trial is underway.

The next reliable milestones are testimony, court rulings and ultimately any jury verdict. Sources: NBC4 Investigates, November 4 reporting on jury selection; Reuters, November 2 retrial background; NBC Los Angeles earlier trial coverage. Status reviewed November 5, 2026.

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