Florida man charged with setting deadly Palisades Fire
Nearly nine months after one of California’s most destructive wildfires, federal authorities say they’ve found the man responsible.
(NBC)- Nearly nine months after one of California’s most destructive wildfires, federal authorities say they’ve found the man responsible.
Investigators arrested 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht of Florida, charging him with arson for allegedly setting the blaze that became known as the Palisades Fire — a catastrophe that killed 12 people and destroyed nearly 7,000 homes and businesses.
“We will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he started this fire — and did so maliciously,” prosecutors said Wednesday.
Officials say the arrest follows a painstaking, months-long investigation. They now believe the Palisades Fire began as an underground blaze known as the Lachman Fire, which Rinderknecht allegedly started in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The smoldering fire is said to have burned below ground for a week before heavy winds on January 7th reignited it above ground — sparking the deadly inferno.
According to the criminal complaint, Rinderknecht was working as an Uber driver on New Year’s Eve. His final passengers told investigators he appeared “agitated and angry” before dropping them off just before midnight in the Pacific Palisades.
Authorities say after his last ride, he drove to the Skull Rock Trailhead, hiked up the trail, and allegedly ignited the fire — possibly using a lighter. Records show Rinderknecht attempted to call 911 multiple times but never connected, possibly due to poor cell service.
While investigators have not revealed a motive, court filings describe disturbing AI-generated images Rinderknecht allegedly prompted ChatGPT to create — including a “dystopian painting” depicting a burning forest and people fleeing from flames.
Families of the victims are expressing outrage and heartbreak.
“It is mind-boggling to think that somebody would actually think about burning down a city,” one survivor said.
“I want him to know how much people are suffering — how much suffering he caused.”
If convicted, Rinderknecht could face life in prison for arson resulting in death.
