US EditionFlorida Man Charged in Deadly, Destructive Palisades Fire
Jonathan Rinderknecht allegedly used a lighter to start a fire that destroyed nearly 6,800 buildings and killed 12 people, according to federal prosecutors.
- Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, an Uber driver, was arrested Tuesday and charged with destruction of property by means of fire linked to the Palisades Fire that killed 12 in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles.
- Authorities say the initial blaze began after dropping off passengers when Rinderknecht allegedly started the Lachman Fire on Jan. 1, which smoldered underground before reigniting on Jan. 7 in Pacific Palisades.
- Investigators found a barbecue-style lighter in the suspect's glove compartment and geolocation data placed him about 30 feet from the flames, while prosecutors cited AI-generated images, Google records, and videos, Essayli said.
- He faces federal charges that carry five to 20 years in prison if convicted, and U.S. prosecutors plan to seek no bond after his initial appearance in federal court in Orlando, Fla.
- The arrest has renewed scrutiny of emergency response as the Palisades Fire raged for 25 days, destroyed more than 23,000 acres, burned about 6,800 structures and killed 12 people.
102 Articles
102 Articles
Man charged with sparking the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A 29-year-old man has been charged with sparking California’s deadly Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in its history, authorities said Wednesday. Federal officials said Jonathan Rinderknecht, who lived in the area, started a small fire on New Year’s Day that smoldered underground before reigniting nearly a week later and roaring through Pacific Palisades, home to many of Los Angeles’ rich and famous. The f…
Daily Bulletin
Arson arrest over Palisades fire shines light on firefight days earlier
The arrest of a 29-year-old Florida man for starting what eventually became the Palisades fire shed more light Monday on firefighters’ suppression efforts, while affirming, for many, suspicions that local residents have had for months: that a smaller blaze, drive by fierce winds on Jan. 1 reignited a week later into the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. Jonathan Rinderknecht, a former resident of the Palisades, was charged with d…
Authorities Charge Man With Sparking Deadly January Wildfire That Leveled la Neighborhoods
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles firefighters lacked enough resources and struggled to communicate clearly in the first 36 hours of January’s devastating Palisades Fire, according to a report released Wednesday by the fire department. Join our WhatsApp group Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email Those challenges hampered their response in the critical first hours […]
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