LOS ANGELES — Jonathan Rinderknecht, the 29-year-old man accused of starting the devastating Palisades Fire, pleaded not guilty on Thursday during his first court appearance in Los Angeles.
Federal prosecutors allege that Rinderknecht intentionally set a smaller blaze known as the Lachman Fire on January 1, which later reignited and spread, becoming one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles City history.
🔥 Charges and Potential Sentence
Rinderknecht faces multiple federal charges, including:
- Destruction of property by means of fire
- Arson affecting property used in interstate commerce
- Setting fire to timber or forest land
If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 45 years in federal prison.
⚖️ Court Proceedings
During Thursday’s arraignment in a Los Angeles courtroom, Rinderknecht appeared alongside his attorney, Steven Haney. The defense argued against continued detention, citing that the defendant had no prior criminal record, no drug or mental health history, and had lived a stable life before his arrest.
However, U.S. Magistrate Judge Rozella A. Oliver upheld a prior Florida judge’s detention order, meaning Rinderknecht will remain in custody pending trial.
The suspect briefly interrupted the proceedings to ask if he could “say something about detainment,” but was advised by his lawyer to remain silent. After a short recess, he entered a plea of not guilty.
The federal trial is currently scheduled to begin on December 16, and is expected to last seven to ten days.
🔍 Alleged Timeline of Events
According to the federal criminal complaint, Rinderknecht allegedly started the Lachman Fire in the early hours of January 1, after finishing a shift as an Uber driver. Investigators claim he appeared agitated and frustrated that night and unsuccessfully attempted to contact a former friend.
He then parked his car near a trail in Pacific Palisades, walked uphill, recorded videos with his iPhone, and repeatedly watched a rap music video showing objects being set on fire.
Soon after, flames erupted in the same area. Rinderknecht reportedly tried to call 911 but received no cell service. Data showed his phone was the only one near the origin point of the fire.
Investigators allege he later returned to the scene to film the blaze as firefighters arrived. Though the Lachman Fire was initially contained, it continued to smolder underground for several days.
On January 7, strong winds reignited the buried fire, transforming it into the massive Palisades Fire, which destroyed homes and forced evacuations across Los Angeles.
🧾 Evidence Presented by Investigators
Federal agents from the ATF and U.S. Attorney’s Office reported several key findings:
- A barbecue-style lighter was found in Rinderknecht’s vehicle, matching one seen in photos from his apartment on December 31.
- Cell phone data placed him at the fire’s origin point.
- He had searched ChatGPT about whether a cigarette could start a wildfire.
- His ChatGPT account also showed he generated an image of a burning forest with people fleeing, which prosecutors say demonstrates intent.
Investigators ruled out other potential causes, including fireworks, lightning, or power lines, concluding the fire was deliberately set with a lighter and vegetation.
🚨 What’s Next
Rinderknecht remains in federal custody at a Los Angeles detention facility. His trial date is set for December 16, where federal prosecutors are expected to present extensive digital, forensic, and witness evidence linking him to both the Lachman Fire and Palisades Fire.
If convicted, he could spend up to 45 years in prison for arson and property destruction charges under federal law.
🔑 SEO Keywords:
Palisades Fire suspect, Los Angeles arson case, Jonathan Rinderknecht, Palisades Fire trial, federal arson charges, Lachman Fire investigation, Los Angeles wildfire suspect, not guilty plea Los Angeles, Palisades Fire news 2025
Leave a Reply