Jonathan Rinderknecht: Who is Jonathan Rinderknecht? Here’s all details about the man arrested for starting Palisades fire
Jonathan Rinderknecht Arrested in Florida
On Wednesday, federal and local authorities said Rinderknecht, a 29-year-old onetime Pacific Palisades resident, was arrested near his home in Florida, according to an ABC7 report. Acting U.S. attorney Bill Essayli said he was accused of damaging property using fire, according to the report.
Jonathan Rinderknecht to Appear in Federal Court in Orlando
Rinderknecht is expected to appear in federal court in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted, ABC7 reported.
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How Did the Lachman Fire Start on New Year’s Day?
At a press conference on Wednesday, Essayli outlined Rinderknecht’s actions before, during and after the fire.
Rinderknecht was an Uber driver on the evening of Dec. 31, according to the federal criminal complaint, and two of his passengers later told investigators that he was agitated and angry that evening, according to an ABC7 report. After dropping off a driver in Pacific Palisades, Rinderknecht reportedly parked his vehicle nearby and unsuccessfully tried to call an old friend, according to the report. He then walked onto a trail, took iPhone videos from a nearby hill and listened to “a rap song whose music video featured burning objects,” ABC7 reported. In fact, according to the report, Essayli said Rinderknecht heard the song and watched the music video multiple times in the days before the Lachman fire. Prosecutors say Rinderknecht started what became known as the Lachman Fire in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, according to an ABC7 report. According to the report, after the Lachman Fire started, he called 911 to report the fire, then fled the scene in his car, but returned when he saw fire trucks approaching.
While firefighters were battling the blaze, Rinderknecht reportedly returned to the trailhead to observe the fire and record it on his phone, according to an ABC7 report.
“While the Lachman Fire was burning, the defendant walked the same path to monitor the fire and firefighters from earlier that night,” Essayli said, adding that Rinderknecht videotaped the scene using an iPhone, according to the report.
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Palisades Fire Leaves Long-Lasting Impact on Los Angeles
“Although firefighters suppressed the fire, it continued to burn and burn underground within the root structure of dense vegetation,” the acting U.S. attorney said. “It smoldered underground for approximately a week until January 7, when high winds caused this underground fire to rise to the surface and spread above ground, causing what became known as the Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive fires in the history of the City of Los Angeles.” Why did it happen?” ABC7 report.
FAQ
Who is Jonathan Rinderknecht?
A 29-year-old former Pacific Palisades resident is accused of starting the blaze that led to the Palisades Fire, ABC7 reports.
What is Jonathan Rinderknecht accused of?
He is accused of destruction of property by fire, according to an ABC7 report.
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