Jury reaches verdict in trial of Palisades Fire arson suspect
Summary
A jury has reached a verdict in the trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is accused of starting the 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. The fire burned over 23,000 acres, killed 12 people, and destroyed more than 6,800 buildings. Rinderknecht denies starting the fire, but prosecutors say phone data and his actions prove his guilt.Key Facts
- Jonathan Rinderknecht is accused of starting the Palisades Fire on January 1, 2025.
- The fire began as the Lachman Fire and continued to burn underground before growing into the Palisades Fire.
- The fire covered over 23,000 acres near Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Twelve people died and more than 6,800 structures were destroyed by the fire.
- Rinderknecht, a 30-year-old Uber driver from Florida, called 911 multiple times but initially fled the scene.
- Phone location data placed him close to where the fire began, contradicting his statements.
- Prosecutors say Rinderknecht was angry and started the fire intentionally.
- Rinderknecht faces a prison sentence of 5 to 45 years if convicted.
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