Federal prosecutors allege Jonathan Rinderknecht started deadly Palisades fire

Tue, 05 May 2026 05:25:00 +0200

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 30, was arrested in connection with the devastating Palisades fire, one of the costliest wildfires in U.S. history. Prosecutors allege that Rinderknecht, motivated by resentment toward the wealthy, idolized Luigi Mangione—a suspect in a high-profile murder—as a Robin Hood-like figure. Evidence from Rinderknecht's computer and phone suggests he searched for phrases like 'Free Luigi' and 'reddit lets kill all billionaires,' and he exhibited intense, erratic behavior in the hours leading up to the fire. Authorities claim the Lachman fire in Pacific Palisades on January 1, 2025, smoldered underground for a week before reigniting into the massive Palisades fire that killed 12 people, destroyed 6,500 structures, and caused billions in damages. Prosecutors cite cellphone geolocation, videos, and a Bic lighter with Rinderknecht's DNA as circumstantial evidence tying him to the scene. The defense, however, argues there is no direct evidence linking him to starting the fir