safety
10 jurors said Palisades Fire suspect isn't guilty. Now he faces an October retrial
By Jaimie Ding And Christopher Weber, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· June 26, 2026
· 6 min read
The man accused of sparking last year's deadly Palisades Fire will be tried again this fall after his first federal arson case ended in a mistrial Friday.Ten of the 12 jurors insisted Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, is innocent. Judge Anne Hwang quickly set an Oct. 19 retrial date and ordered him jail...
Key takeaway Ten of the 12 jurors insisted Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, is innocent.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The mistrial in the Palisades Fire arson case has implications for wildfire prevention and response in the San Antonio area. As a community in a wildfire-prone region, Alamo Heights residents should be aware of the importance of vigilant fire safety and reporting. The fact that the Palisades Fire burned undetected for days before flaring up highlights the need for swift detection and response to prevent similar disasters. Locally, this case underscores the value of collaborative efforts between firefighters, investigators, and the community to prevent and respond to wildfires. The slow rebuilding process in Pacific Palisades also serves as a reminder of the long-term consequences of devastating fires, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risks in Alamo Heights and surrounding areas. As the new trial approaches, Alamo Heights residents can reflect on their own emergency preparedness and the role they play in preventing and responding to wildfires.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The man accused of sparking last year's deadly Palisades Fire will be tried again this fall after his first federal arson case ended in a mistrial Friday.Ten of the 12 jurors insisted Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, is innocent. Judge Anne Hwang quickly set an Oct. 19 retrial date and ordered him jail...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jaimie Ding And Christopher Weber, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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