Palisades fire suspect indicted by grand jury, faces new charges

Published: Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 12:12 am

Palisades Fire Suspect Indicted on New Federal Charges

A federal grand jury has indicted Jonathan Rinderknecht, the suspect in the devastating Palisades wildfire, adding two new felony charges to his case. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment on Wednesday, October 15th.

Rinderknecht, 29, was initially charged with destruction of property by means of fire. The new charges include arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and timber set afire. If convicted on all charges, Rinderknecht could face a prison sentence ranging from five to 45 years. He has been in federal custody since his arrest on October 7th.

Authorities believe Rinderknecht started the Lachman fire on January 1st. This fire is suspected to have smoldered underground for several days before becoming the destructive Palisades fire on January 7th, fueled by strong winds. The Palisades fire ultimately consumed over 23,000 acres, causing significant damage to homes and other structures.

Prosecutors allege that Rinderknecht, working as an Uber driver on December 31st, 2024, dropped off a passenger and then went to the Skull Rock Trailhead. There, he attempted to contact a friend, walked up the trail, listened to a song with a music video featuring fire, and took videos. Environmental sensors detected the Lachman fire shortly after midnight on January 1st. Rinderknecht called 911 but was unable to connect until he was at the bottom of the trail. He initially drove away from the scene, then returned and took more videos.

Rinderknecht is expected to be arraigned in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming weeks. Authorities have stated that Rinderknecht had previously lived in the Palisades.

BNN's Perspective:

This case highlights the devastating consequences of wildfires and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. While the investigation is ongoing, the severity of the charges reflects the significant impact of the Palisades fire on the community. It is crucial to allow the legal process to unfold and await the court's decision.

Keywords: Palisades fire, Jonathan Rinderknecht, indictment, arson, federal charges, wildfire, Lachman fire, U.S. Department of Justice, destruction of property, interstate commerce, timber, prison sentence, Uber driver, Skull Rock Trailhead, Los Angeles

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