Prosecutors used ChatGPT logs as evidence in the Palisades fire trial

Jonathan Rinderknecht was charged with arson on New Year’s Day in 2025, which was one of the charges against him. the most deadly fire in LA history. To make their case, prosecutors turned to location data from his iPhone, security camera footage, and witness testimony. But he also turned to his ChatGPT posts.

Critics said that Rinderknecht had ChatGPT make pictures of fire, asked the chatbot, “Why am I always angry?”, and complained about how the rich are ruining the world. They also showed footage of Rinderknecht asking ChatGPT if someone could be held responsible for a fire if it was started by their cigarette.

But the judges did not believe. The case ended with a death when the jury voted 10-2 in favor of the defense. This led the judge to declare that there was an adjournment and that there was no verdict.

said another juror CBS LA that he did not believe the ChatGPT posts were proof of anything, saying, “I talk to ChatGPT all the time.” He added that he was “infuriated” that he was saying that his use of the chatbot showed some flaws.