Prosecutors presented ChatGPT logs in Palisades fire arson trial that ended in mistrial

Prosecutors introduced logs from Jonathan Rinderknecht's ChatGPT account during his arson trial over a fire set on New Year's Day in 2025 that became one of the deadliest wildfires in Los Angeles history. ", and complaining that wealthy people were destroying the world.

Prosecutors also presented a screen recording in which he asked whether someone could be blamed for a fire started by a cigarette.

Evidence and jury response The prosecution combined the ChatGPT logs with location data from Rinderknecht's iPhone, security camera footage, and witness testimony. One juror told CBS LA that she did not view the logs as proof of guilt and noted that she talks to ChatGPT regularly.

The same juror said the suggestion that chatbot use indicated a character flaw made her angry. The jury voted 10-2 in favor of the defense, prompting the judge to declare a hung jury and mistrial.