Key facts
- Jonathan Rinderknecht, 30, is on trial for allegedly starting the Palisades Fire in January 2025.
- The fire resulted in 12 deaths and an estimated $150 billion in property damage.
- Rinderknecht faces charges including destruction of property by fire and arson.
- Prosecutors claim Rinderknecht was motivated by resentment towards the wealthy.
- The defense may argue Rinderknecht is being scapegoated for firefighting failures.
- Cellphone data places Rinderknecht alone at the fire's origin point.
Opening statements were scheduled to begin Wednesday in the federal arson trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, a former Uber driver accused of deliberately starting a wildfire in January 2025 that became one of the deadliest in Los Angeles history. Rinderknecht, 30, faces charges including destruction of property by fire and arson, and has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht "maliciously" started a fire near a hiking trail after finishing an Uber shift. While initially suppressed, the blaze re-ignited a week later and, fanned by fierce winds, grew into the devastating Palisades Fire. Federal investigators concluded the fire was likely started with a lighter on combustible material. Cellphone data indicated Rinderknecht was the only person in the area where the fire began.
The Palisades Fire scorched over 23,000 acres, destroyed approximately 6,000 structures, and resulted in 12 fatalities. It coincided with the Eaton Fire, which killed 19 people northeast of Los Angeles. The estimated property damage from the Palisades Fire is around $150 billion.
Pre-trial documents suggest prosecutors believe Rinderknecht was motivated by anger towards the wealthy, citing his interest in news about Luigi Mangione, who was charged with murder. Rinderknecht's defense team has indicated they may argue he is being scapegoated for failures by the Los Angeles Fire Department. Rinderknecht has remained in custody since his arrest in Florida.