Judge Declares Mistrial in Arson Case Tied to January 2025 Wildfire

A federal judge declared a mistrial last week after jurors could not reach a verdict in the trial of a former Uber driver accused of starting a fire on January 1, 2025. The fire later rekindled and became one of the most destructive wildfires in California history.

The defendant faced three felony counts: destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and timber set afire. On the 13th day of trial, jurors reported a final vote of 10 to 2 for acquittal on all charges.

The court cited manifest necessity due to the jury deadlock. Prosecutors stated they will retry the case. During the trial, prosecutors presented more than 30 witnesses, including arson investigators who ruled out fireworks, lightning, and cigarettes as ignition sources.

Evidence included cellphone records showing the defendant hiked to the area and placed multiple 911 calls reporting the flames. Prosecutors also introduced ChatGPT logs in which the defendant discussed fire imagery and expressed resentment toward wealthy individuals.

A video recorded days after the fire showed him expressing concern about a possible mental breakdown.

No witness placed the defendant at the exact ignition point. The defendant acknowledged hiking in the area that night, and cellphone data placed his phone near the origin site. The initial fire was extinguished on January 1 with no significant damage.

Strong winds caused it to rekindle a week later. A civil lawsuit against the city and state has included firefighter testimony about communication failures and decisions to roll up hoses before a full mop-up. A Palisades resident who lost her home and attended the trial said prosecutors lacked sufficient evidence.

A juror who spoke publicly after the trial questioned whether resources should instead focus on institutional and infrastructure failures between January 1 and January 7.