Jury Delivers Verdict in 2025 Palisades Fire Arson Trial
A Los Angeles federal jury has reached a verdict in the case of Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of starting the 2025 Palisades fire that killed twelve people.
A federal jury in Los Angeles has concluded deliberations in the trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, who faces three federal arson charges linked to the 2025 Palisades fire that destroyed thousands of homes and claimed twelve lives. The verdict will be read in court shortly.
Rinderknecht, 30, pleaded not guilty to charges of destruction of property by fire, arson affecting interstate commerce and timber set afire. Prosecutors presented more than 30 witnesses over six days, alleging that Rinderknecht ignited a small blaze in a hillside clearing on New Year’s Day that later reignited under strong winds on January 7, becoming the large-scale Palisades fire.
The defense, led by attorney Steve Haney, argued that Rinderknecht was present when he saw flames, called 911 multiple times, and that no witness saw him start the fire. The defense also suggested fireworks set off by New Year’s revelers were a more plausible cause, citing testimony from a former arson investigator and other eyewitnesses.
"There is not enough evidence to demonstrate a serious intent to start a fire," the defense’s arson expert testified.
"Fireworks were the most obvious cause," another witness added.
Prosecutors described Rinderknecht as acting out of personal resentment, while the defense characterized the accusations as a scapegoating of their client. The jury’s decision, expected to be announced soon, will determine whether Rinderknecht is convicted on the federal arson counts.
