BREAKING NEWS THAT BREAKING NEWS WITHIN THE PAST HALF HOUR, THE CENTRAL FLORIDA MAN CHARGED IN STARTING ONE OF THE DEADLIEST FIRES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HISTORY HAS NOW BEEN FEDERALLY INDICTED. I’M SUMMER KNOWLES AND I’M STEWART MOORE. JONATHAN RINDERKNECHT IS NOW FACING TWO MORE CHARGES. WE LEARNED THIS EVENING THAT HE WAS ARRESTED LAST WEEK IN WEST MELBOURNE. INVESTIGATORS SAY HE STARTED THE FIRE NEAR LOS ANGELES ON NEW YEAR’S DAY. THAT TURNED INTO THE PALISADES FIRE, WHICH KILLED 12 PEOPLE, SCORCHED 23,000 ACRES AND DEVASTATED ENTIRE COMMUNITIES. HE WAS ORIGINALLY CHARGED WITH DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY BY FIRE. HE NOW FACES TWO FELONIES ARSON AFFECTING PROPERTY USED IN INTERSTATE COMMERCE, AND TIMBER SET A FIRE. IF CONVICTED, HE COULD FACE 45 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON. HE’LL BE BACK IN COURT I
Central Florida man accused of starting Palisades Fire indicted on federal charges
Updated: 6:52 AM EDT Oct 16, 2025
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly starting the Palisades Fire in January, with accusations including destruction of property by fire, arson, and timber set afire.The Palisades Fire was a “holdover” from the Lachman Fire; investigators say it was ignited by Rinderknecht on Jan. 1, 2025. Though initially suppressed, it reignited on Jan. 7 due to winds, spreading rapidly. Investigations show Rinderknecht maliciously set the Lachman Fire on federal land.Leading up to the incident, Rinderknecht, an Uber driver, exhibited agitation on Dec. 31, 2024. After dropping off a passenger in Pacific Palisades, he went to Skull Rock Trailhead, recorded videos, and listened to a rap song depicting fire.Environmental sensors detected the Lachman Fire at 12 a.m. on Jan. 1. Rinderknecht, initially out of cell range, called 911 from the bottom of the trail, but the fire was already reported. He then fled, turned around, and returned to observe firefighters, recording more videos.On Jan. 24, Rinderknecht gave false information about his location, claiming he was near the bottom of the trail when the fire started. However, geolocation data placed him within 30 feet of the blaze.An indictment contains allegations, and Rinderknecht is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he faces 5 to 45 years in federal prison. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives leads the investigation, with assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department and the United States Forest Service.His next court appearance is scheduled in the coming weeks in Los Angeles.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly starting the Palisades Fire in January, with accusations including destruction of property by fire, arson, and timber set afire.
The Palisades Fire was a “holdover” from the Lachman Fire; investigators say it was ignited by Rinderknecht on Jan. 1, 2025. Though initially suppressed, it reignited on Jan. 7 due to winds, spreading rapidly. Investigations show Rinderknecht maliciously set the Lachman Fire on federal land.
Leading up to the incident, Rinderknecht, an Uber driver, exhibited agitation on Dec. 31, 2024. After dropping off a passenger in Pacific Palisades, he went to Skull Rock Trailhead, recorded videos, and listened to a rap song depicting fire.
Environmental sensors detected the Lachman Fire at 12 a.m. on Jan. 1. Rinderknecht, initially out of cell range, called 911 from the bottom of the trail, but the fire was already reported. He then fled, turned around, and returned to observe firefighters, recording more videos.
On Jan. 24, Rinderknecht gave false information about his location, claiming he was near the bottom of the trail when the fire started. However, geolocation data placed him within 30 feet of the blaze.
An indictment contains allegations, and Rinderknecht is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he faces 5 to 45 years in federal prison. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives leads the investigation, with assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department and the United States Forest Service.
His next court appearance is scheduled in the coming weeks in Los Angeles.