Accused LA wildfire arsonist wanted ‘revenge on society’, prosecutors say as trial opens
Summary
The trial began for Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is accused of starting the deadly Palisades fire in Los Angeles. Prosecutors say he set the fire out of anger and tried to hide his involvement, while his defense team argues that fireworks caused the blaze and that Rinderknecht did not start it.Key Facts
- Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, is charged with three felony arson counts related to the Palisades fire.
- The Palisades fire burned about 23,000 acres, destroyed thousands of buildings, and killed 12 people.
- Prosecutors say Rinderknecht started the fire after a breakup and social isolation, and was near the initial blaze.
- He called 911 multiple times on the night of the fire and cooperated with investigators, according to his lawyers.
- Defense lawyers claim fireworks caused the fire and that there is no proof Rinderknecht started it.
- Security footage and phone records were used to place Rinderknecht near the fire’s start location.
- The judge barred defense from blaming the fire department’s early departure for the fire’s spread.
- Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty and faces at least five years in prison if convicted.
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