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Man arrested for igniting destructive Palisades fire
Man arrested for igniting devastating Palisades Fire that destroyed homes and claimed lives in California’s wildfires
Man arrested for igniting devastating Palisades Fire that destroyed homes and claimed lives in California’s wildfires
– Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, was arrested for allegedly igniting the Palisades fire in California, causing destruction and deaths.
– Investigators found a lighter linked to the fire in Rinderknecht’s vehicle, implicating him in the incident.
It smouldered underground until winds caused it to spread on January 7. Investigators ruled out fireworks, cigarettes, and downed power lines as potential ignition sources, confirming it was an incendiary fire. A federal public defender for Rinderknecht has not commented. He was arrested in Florida and is set to appear in federal court.
Victims affected by the blaze expressed relief at the arrest. Los Angeles officials viewed it as a step towards justice for those impacted by the disaster. Rinderknecht, previously living in the Pacific Palisades, was reportedly agitated on the night of the incident.
After dropping off passengers, he parked nearby, accessed the trail, and took videos of the area while listening to a specific song.
Evidence Found
Investigators believe the fire was ignited with a lighter, which was later discovered in Rinderknecht’s vehicle. He admitted to carrying a lighter during his trail visit. The ATF sought to link the New Year’s blaze to the Palisades fire while the Los Angeles Fire Department initially contained the fire.
