LA Federal Jury Hears of Bizarre Interview with Palisades Fire Suspect
Prosecutors say Jonathan Rinderknecht used a green Bic lighter to start the smaller blaze that became the Palisades Fire, which killed 12 people and destroyed 6,800 structures.
- Federal prosecutors are expected to wrap up their case Thursday against Jonathan Rinderknecht, a 30-year-old former Uber driver accused of starting the devastating 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles.
- Behavioral analyst Kevin Kelm testified Wednesday that Rinderknecht's actions were driven by a thirst for 'societal revenge and excitement,' citing escalating anger and social isolation leading up to the Lachman Fire.
- Kelm described Rinderknecht's 'methodical stroll' while calling 911 17 times and using ChatGPT to inquire about fire liability, behavior Kelm deemed inconsistent with typical witness conduct.
- Defense attorney Steven Haney challenged Kelm's paid consultant status, while the trial in Los Angeles federal court enters its second week with the defense expected to begin presentation Monday.
- If found guilty of three arson counts, Rinderknecht faces up to 45 years in prison for the blaze that burned 23,448 acres and destroyed about 6,800 structures in Pacific Palisades.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Palisades Fire suspect insisted there were no fireworks in interview
LOS ANGELES (CN) — The man accused of starting a brush fire in the earlier hours of Jan. 1, 2025, which prosecutors say ended up burning down the Pacific Palisades a week later, repeatedly told investigators there were no fireworks that New Year’s Eve when he hiked up a trail near his former home around midnight. The jury in downtown Los Angeles, where 30-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht is on trial, on Thursday heard audio recordings of an interv…
Palisades fire defendant’s behavior was consistent with someone seeking societal revenge, excitement, expert testifies at arson trial
An expert said he reviewed the defendant’s statement, interview, social media posts and videos to assess his behavior around the time the fire started
Palisades Fire suspect allegedly driven by 'societal revenge,' behavioral analyst testifies in court
Palisades Fire suspect Jonathan Rinderknecht's behavior matches someone driven by 'societal revenge,' a behavioral analyst testified during his California trial.
Testimony to Continue at Palisades Wildfire Arson Trial
Federal prosecutors are expected to wrap up their case Thursday with final witnesses called to testify against accused Palisades Fire arsonist Jonathan Rinderknecht in downtown Los Angeles. Rinderknecht, 30, a dual French and U.S. citizen, faces up to 45 years behind bars if found guilty of three arson counts: destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and timber set afire. The trial in Los An…
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