> At a Glance
> – Jonathan Rinderknecht, 39, faces three federal counts tied to the New Year’s Day Lachman Fire that later grew into the Palisades blaze
> – The fire ultimately scorched 23,000 acres and left 12 people dead
> – Why it matters: The outcome will test prosecutors’ claim that a single open flame started California’s costliest recent wildfire
Jonathan Rinderknecht, a former Uber driver, is locked in a Los Angeles federal detention center while he awaits an April 21 trial on charges he sparked the deadly Palisades Fire. Prosecutors say the New Year’s Day flare-up he allegedly set near Skull Rock Trailhead smoldered underground for six days before erupting into the massive blaze.
The Allegations
Federal prosecutors contend Rinderknecht dropped off two Uber passengers in Pacific Palisades on December 31, 2024, then hiked to a clearing called Hidden Buddha. There, they say, he recorded videos and played a rap song whose video features objects being ignited.
- Count 1: destruction of property by fire
- Count 2: arson affecting interstate commerce
- Count 3: timber set afire
At 12:12 a.m. on January 1, infrared cameras captured the first sign of the Lachman Fire. Authorities allege Rinderknecht tried calling 911 at 12:12:31 a.m., but poor cell reception delayed connection until he reached the trailhead minutes later.
Digital Clues
While still on the mountain, Rinderknecht allegedly typed into ChatGPT: “Are you at fault if a fire is lift because of your cigarettes?” The app replied, “Yes.” Investigators claim he later returned to watch firefighters battle the flames.
| Key Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First thermal detection | 12:12:01 a.m. Jan 1 |
| First 911 attempt | 12:12:31 a.m. Jan 1 |
| Successful 911 contact | minutes later |
| Palisades Fire reignites | Jan 7 |
During a January 24 police interview, prosecutors say Rinderknecht placed himself near the base of the trail when he spotted the fire. Cell-site data, however, allegedly puts him 30 feet from the ignition point as the flames spread.
Defense Counter-Punch
Defense attorney Steve Haney argues the case lacks hard evidence. He notes several neighbors reported hearing a “loud bang” right before flames appeared, suggesting fireworks-not a lighter-started the fire.
> “It is so illogical to believe that somebody would intentionally start a fire, commit a crime of arson, and then call the fire department 15 times,” Haney said.
Haney adds Rinderknecht’s ChatGPT query actually supports his innocence:
> “He’s wondering, ‘Oh boy, did I start that fire?’ That’s the opposite of maliciously starting a fire.”
Key Takeaways
- Prosecutors tie Rinderknecht to an open-flame ignition near Hidden Buddha; the defense blames fireworks
- The Lachman Fire was declared out on Jan 1, yet underground embers reignited as the Palisades Fire on Jan 7
- A guilty verdict on any count could bring a lengthy federal prison sentence
The trial is expected to hinge on cellphone GPS records, thermal imaging timelines, and whether jurors accept the fireworks theory or the prosecution’s open-flame narrative.
