The trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, a 29-year-old occasional Uber driver, opened Wednesday with prosecutors alleging he deliberately ignited the fire that became the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. Federal prosecutors told jurors that Rinderknecht sought "revenge on society" when he lit a small blaze on New Year's Day 2025, which later reignited and killed 12 people.
Rinderknecht is accused of starting what became known as the Lachman fire, which Los Angeles firefighters initially extinguished on January 2. The flames continued smoldering underground in dry hillsides before reigniting five days later when strong winds swept through the area. This type of fire is known as a "zombie fire" or "holdover." The subsequent Palisades fire ultimately destroyed roughly 23,000 acres and incinerated thousands of buildings.
According to a pretrial memo filed by prosecutors in April, Rinderknecht was upset over a failed relationship and having no plans for New Year's Eve when he allegedly set the blaze. Witnesses reported that he was agitated and driving erratically while working for Uber that evening. Prosecutors also note that Rinderknecht spoke about Luigi Mangione, the accused murderer of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, and allegedly told investigators someone might commit arson in the Palisades "out of resentment of the rich enjoying their money as 'we're basically being enslaved by them.'"
A grand jury charged Rinderknecht with three felonies for lighting a fire that destroyed national, state and private lands and buildings and killed 12 people. If convicted, he could face between five and 45 years in prison.
The defense disputes the government's case, with Rinderknecht's attorney Steven Haney arguing there is no solid evidence linking his client to the Lachman fire. The defense suggested fireworks heard in the area may have been responsible. Haney has said he believes his client is being "scapegoated" by the Los Angeles fire department.
A significant point of contention in the case involves the fire department's handling of the initial blaze. The Los Angeles Times published investigations revealing concerns from firefighters that the Lachman fire was not fully contained before they were ordered to leave. However, US District Judge Anne Hwang has barred evidence from the trial regarding alleged negligence by the fire department in failing to fully extinguish the smaller fire.
Prosecutors say law enforcement determined Rinderknecht set the Lachman fire "using witness statements, video surveillance, cellphone data, and analysis of fire dynamics and patterns at the scene."
The trial is being heard before Judge Hwang, who was appointed to the bench by President Joe Biden in 2024. The proceedings are expected to continue for several weeks as both sides present evidence and witness testimony.