[REVISION HISTORY]

Palisades Fire prosecution of Jonathan Rinderknecht

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2026-08-19 23:19 UTC → 2026-08-20 01:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following a June mistrial in which a jury deadlocked 10-2 in favor of acquittal, federal prosecutors have issued a superseding indictment against Jonathan Rinderknecht regarding the 2025 Palisades Fire. The wildfire, which resulted in 12 deaths and the destruction of approximately 6,800 structures, is alleged by prosecutors to have originated as the Lachman Fire on January 1, 2025. The revised indictment reduces the felony charges from three to two: destruction of property by means of fire and arson affecting property used in interstate commerce. The first count focuses on the ignition of the Lachman Fire, while the second addresses the subsequent destruction caused by the Palisades Fire. Rinderknecht denies intentionally starting the blaze. His defense has suggested the original fire may have been ignited by fireworks or was not fully extinguished by firefighters. A retrial for Rinderknecht has been scheduled to begin on November 2 in Los Angeles. He has pleaded not guilty to the revised charges and remains in federal custody. Investigators claim the initial Lachman Fire smoldered underground before being re-ignited by Santa Ana winds on January 7, leading to the devastating Palisades Fire that burned 23,448 acres. Judges have maintained Rinderknecht in custody, deeming him a danger to the community.

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