Judge declares mistrial in case against Palisades Fire arson suspect, DOJ says
After the jury returned to court for deliberations on Friday morning, the judge determined the deadlock could not be broken and declared a mistrial.
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Austin Turner is a web producer at CBS News Los Angeles. An Inland Empire native, Austin earned a degree in journalism from San Jose State University in 2020. Before joining CBS News in 2025, he worked at KTLA, the San Jose Mercury News, the Sedona Red Rock News and various other outlets as a news and sports reporter.
After the jury returned to court for deliberations on Friday morning, the judge determined the deadlock could not be broken and declared a mistrial.
The LAFD said it expects to return responsibility of the Boyle Heights warehouse to the owner and tenant on Friday.
A jury remains deadlocked in the trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused of starting the blaze that turned into the deadly and destructive Palisades Fire in 2025.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said they were able to finally achieve a knockdown just before 6 p.m., meaning there were no active flames and no threat of fire spreading.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 30, is facing arson charges in connection with the Lachman Fire, which later led to the Palisades Fire.
Kevin Pearsall, 59, of Long Beach, is facing several charges, including 23 misdemeanor counts of secretly filming another person.
The LAFD said smoke conditions have improved significantly in the area.
As of Tuesday, four people have been arrested in connection with the alleged crimes.
The circumstances surrounding the crash and shooting were not immediately clear.
LAFD Captain Jacob Raabe told CBS LA that crews have made "significant headway" by tearing down the exterior walls of the warehouse.
Adam Walker was "charged with grand theft and forgery for making monetary transfers from the foundation to his personal account," prosecutors said.
The blaze was reported at 9:40 a.m., and forward progress was stopped by 10:58 a.m.
The crash was reported near Whiteman Airport in Pacoima.
The victim is yet to be identified publicly.
The crash took place near Terra Bella Street in Pacoima at about 3:39 a.m.