Judge May Bar Jury from Assessing LAFD Response in Palisades Arson Retrial
A federal judge signaled she could prohibit jurors in Jonathan Rinderknecht’s arson retrial from evaluating the Los Angeles Fire Department’s handling of the initial blaze.
Jonathan Rinderknecht is headed back to federal court for a second trial over the arson that ignited the devastating Palisades fire. Judge Anne Hwang indicated she may instruct the jury to ignore testimony about the Los Angeles Fire Department’s suppression efforts, a question that sparked debate after jurors in the first trial questioned the department’s role. The judge postponed a final ruling until the retrial begins on Nov. 2.
Prosecutors have narrowed one charge to the damage from the Jan. 1 Lachman fire and retained a second count tying Rinderknecht to both the Lachman and Palisades blazes. A third charge involving timber arson has been dropped, and Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty to the remaining counts. Defense attorney Steve Haney expects new evidence, including a delayed lighter test, to bolster the case.
Why it matters
The ruling could shape how responsibility for the massive Palisades fire is assigned in court.
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