A federal jury weighing the case against a man accused of igniting the catastrophic 2025 Palisades Fire abruptly reversed course Thursday, telling the court it was hopelessly deadlocked after first reporting that it had…

A federal jury weighing the case against a man accused of igniting the catastrophic 2025 Palisades 🔥Fire abruptly reversed course Thursday, telling the court it was hopelessly deadlocked after first reporting that it had reached a verdict.

According to Fox News, the conflicting messages came during the second day of deliberations in the ⚖️Trial of 30-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht, who has pleaded not guilty to multiple federal arson-related charges tied to the wildfire that became the most destructive in 🌴Los Angeles County history.

Following a 10-day ⚖️Trial, jurors initially informed the judge they had reached a unanimous decision. Minutes later, however, the foreperson submitted another note stating the panel was deeply divided.

“We have people on both sides that are dead-set. Unwavering. We are at a standstill. We are unsure how to proceed,” the jury wrote.

The judge asked whether additional legal instructions or a review of testimony would help break the impasse. Jurors responded that neither option would make a difference.

“There is nothing the court can do to assist the jury in their deliberations. Additional instructions or rereading the testimony would not help in deliberations. Unfortunately, we cannot reach a unanimous verdict,” the panel replied.

Attorneys for both the prosecution and defense requested time to examine their legal options before the court took further action. The judge instructed jurors to return on Friday morning and continue deliberating.

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If the panel remains unable to reach a unanimous verdict, the court could declare a mistrial. Federal prosecutors would then decide whether to pursue another ⚖️Trial.

Rinderknecht faces charges including destruction of property by means of 🔥Fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and timber set afire.

Prosecutors allege he intentionally ignited the initial Lachman 🔥Fire shortly after midnight on Jan. 1, 2025, in a remote section of Pacific Palisades. Although firefighters believed they had extinguished the blaze, investigators later concluded it continued to smolder underground.

Authorities contend that powerful Santa Ana winds on Jan. 7 reignited those embers, triggering the Palisades 🔥Fire. The wildfire ultimately burned more than 23,000 acres, destroyed roughly 6,800 structures, and claimed at least 12 lives.

During closing arguments, prosecutors argued Rinderknecht harbored resentment toward wealthy communities and deliberately targeted the area.

Defense attorney Steven Haney countered that prosecutors failed to present physical evidence linking his client to the 🔥Fire and argued the Lachman 🔥Fire and the later Palisades 🔥Fire were separate incidents with no proven connection.