The Central Florida man accused of starting the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles earlier this year is being extradited from Florida back to California. According to court documents, Jonathan Rinderknecht has been ordered to appear in the Central District of California. Rinderknecht remains in the custody of U.S. marshals after he was arrested during a traffic stop conducted off the Sawgrass Lakes community, officials said. The former Pacific Palisades resident had been living in Melbourne, a city east of Orlando. >> Video above is previous coverage The criminal complaint said Rinderknecht was working as an Uber driver on Dec. 31. Two passengers from separate trips told investigators he appeared agitated and angry. Agents say the man walked to an area known as the Hidden Buddha clearing, set the fire and tried calling 911 several times.The criminal complaint also says Rinderknecht typed a question into the ChatGPT app on his iPhone, asking, “Are you at fault if a fire is lit because of your cigarettes?”ChatGPT’s response was, “Yes,” followed by an explanation. “The allegations are further supported by the defendant’s cell phone, his false statements to law enforcement and his behavior during the Lachman fire, which the defendant is charged with maliciously starting shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day of this year, and which eventually became the Palisades fire,” said acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli.Investigators said Rinderknecht watched the fire grow for over a minute, and he eventually got into his car and left. His movements were captured by camera footage from nearby residences.What was the Palisades Fire?The fires forced thousands of people to evacuate. It was one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles’ history. The blaze began on Jan. 7, killed 12 people and destroyed more than 6,000 homes and buildings in the Pacific Palisades, a wealthy coastal neighborhood of LA. Authorities first interviewed Rinderknecht on Jan. 24, according to the criminal complaint. He told them he had been in the area on Jan. 1 and did not see anyone else in the area at that time.Authorities accused Rinderknecht of lighting a fire on New Year’s Day that was put out initially, but continued to smolder underground before reigniting during high winds, Essayli said. Since the 29-year-old first appeared in court, new details have emerged.New details revealed in court On Sept. 19, when Rinderknecht threatened to burn down his sister and brother-in-law’s homeOn Sept. 25, when Rinderknecht’s dad, visiting from France, reported to police he was concerned about him having a gunOfficials said Rinderknecht was living with his sister and brother-in-law after moving back to Central Florida from Southern California five months ago.Because it’s a federal case, WESH 2 reporters have not been allowed to take photo or videos inside the courtroom.Sketches inside the courtroomSketches showcase Rinderknecht alongside his lawyer appearing before a judge in Orlando.
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. —
The Central Florida man accused of starting the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles earlier this year is being extradited from Florida back to California.
According to court documents, Jonathan Rinderknecht has been ordered to appear in the Central District of California.
Rinderknecht remains in the custody of U.S. marshals after he was arrested during a traffic stop conducted off the Sawgrass Lakes community, officials said. The former Pacific Palisades resident had been living in Melbourne, a city east of Orlando.
>> Video above is previous coverage
The criminal complaint said Rinderknecht was working as an Uber driver on Dec. 31. Two passengers from separate trips told investigators he appeared agitated and angry.
Agents say the man walked to an area known as the Hidden Buddha clearing, set the fire and tried calling 911 several times.
The criminal complaint also says Rinderknecht typed a question into the ChatGPT app on his iPhone, asking, “Are you at fault if a fire is lit because of your cigarettes?”
ChatGPT’s response was, “Yes,” followed by an explanation.
“The allegations are further supported by the defendant’s cell phone, his false statements to law enforcement and his behavior during the Lachman fire, which the defendant is charged with maliciously starting shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day of this year, and which eventually became the Palisades fire,” said acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli.
Investigators said Rinderknecht watched the fire grow for over a minute, and he eventually got into his car and left. His movements were captured by camera footage from nearby residences.
What was the Palisades Fire?
The fires forced thousands of people to evacuate. It was one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles’ history.
The blaze began on Jan. 7, killed 12 people and destroyed more than 6,000 homes and buildings in the Pacific Palisades, a wealthy coastal neighborhood of LA.
Authorities first interviewed Rinderknecht on Jan. 24, according to the criminal complaint. He told them he had been in the area on Jan. 1 and did not see anyone else in the area at that time.
Authorities accused Rinderknecht of lighting a fire on New Year’s Day that was put out initially, but continued to smolder underground before reigniting during high winds, Essayli said.
Since the 29-year-old first appeared in court, new details have emerged.
New details revealed in court On Sept. 19, when Rinderknecht threatened to burn down his sister and brother-in-law’s homeOn Sept. 25, when Rinderknecht’s dad, visiting from France, reported to police he was concerned about him having a gun
Officials said Rinderknecht was living with his sister and brother-in-law after moving back to Central Florida from Southern California five months ago.
Because it’s a federal case, WESH 2 reporters have not been allowed to take photo or videos inside the courtroom.
Sketches inside the courtroom
Sketches showcase Rinderknecht alongside his lawyer appearing before a judge in Orlando.
