ChatGPT logs were used as evidence in a wildfire trial
In the Los Angeles Palisades wildfire trial, prosecutors accused Jonathan Rinderknecht of starting a fire on New Year’s Day in 2025. The fire later became one of the deadliest wildfires in Los Angeles history. Prosecutors used iPhone , camera footage, witness testimony, and ChatGPT logs to support their case.
The ChatGPT material included image requests involving fire, a question about why he felt angry, comments about wealthy people harming the world, and a where he asked whether someone could be blamed for a fire started by a cigarette. The jury was not convinced. The vote split 10 to 2 in favor of the defense, so the judge declared a and a .
One juror said ChatGPT use did not prove anything by itself and objected to treating chatbot use as a sign of bad character.
Key points
- Prosecutors used ChatGPT logs in an arson trial tied to the 2025 Palisades wildfire.
- Other evidence included iPhone , camera footage, and witness testimony.
- The ChatGPT logs included fire image requests, anger-related questions, social complaints, and a question about cigarette fire responsibility.
- The jury split 10 to 2 for the defense, leading to a and a .
- A juror pushed back against treating ChatGPT use as proof of bad character.