Man accused of starting Palisades fire was ‘angry, intense, driving erratically’, lawyers say
Summary
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, is accused of starting a deadly wildfire in Los Angeles that killed 12 people. He denies the charges and claims the fire department did not fully put out an earlier fire. His trial will start on June 8.Key Facts
- The Palisades fire began on January 7, 2025, in Los Angeles neighborhoods Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
- The fire killed 12 people and became one of California’s most destructive wildfires.
- Prosecutors say Rinderknecht started a smaller fire on January 1 that smoldered underground before flaring up later.
- Witnesses said Rinderknecht was angry and driving erratically on New Year’s Eve while working as an Uber driver.
- He reportedly ranted about resentment toward rich people and mentioned news about a murder case.
- Rinderknecht’s lawyers say the fire department failed to fully extinguish the initial fire.
- A firefighter testified that hotspots remained after the first fire, and the fire chief ordered an independent report.
- Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty and claims he is innocent.
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