Full Breakdown
Retrial Set for November 2 in Federal Arson Case Over 2025 Palisades Fire
8/20/2026, 2:20:02 AM
Background of the 2025 Palisades Fire
On New Year’s Day 2025 a blaze later called the Lachman Fire ignited near the Skull Rock Trailhead in Pacific Palisades. The fire smoldered underground until strong Santa Ana winds on Jan. 7 re-surfaced it as the Palisades Fire, which destroyed roughly 6,800 structures, burned 23,448 acres, and killed 12 people. Prosecutors describe the event as a “holdover” fire—an initial ignition that later merged with wind-driven flames that devastated the upscale community.
Revised Federal Indictment
After a June trial ended in a 10-to-2 deadlock favoring acquittal, a superseding grand-jury indictment was filed. The new indictment drops one of the original three arson counts and narrows the remaining two to: (1) destruction of property by fire for the Jan. 1 Lachman Fire, and arson affecting property used in interstate commerce. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Williams told the court the prosecution expects to present its case in 5–8 days. First Assistant U.S.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. District Court Judge Anne Hwang entered a not-guilty plea from Rinderknecht and scheduled the retrial for November 2. The judge indicated the new trial “will probably be shorter.” Rinderknecht remains in federal custody without bail.
Criticism & Opposition
He maintains his client is innocent and that the two fires were separate incidents, possibly sparked by New Year’s Eve fireworks rather than arson.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There is no direct evidence that establishing that he started a fire on January first,” — Rinderknecht's de
- “If they want to re-try it again, we can re-try it again," Haney said.” — Steve Haney, rinderknecht's defense attorney
- “Ten-to-two is an overwhelming message from the jury that the government failed and did not have enough evidence to prove their case," Haney said.” — Steve Haney, rinderknecht's defense attorney
