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Trial Begins for Jonathan Rinderknecht on Charges He Started Palisades Fire

The jury will weigh prosecutors’ forensic and digital case against a defense that says fireworks caused the Jan. 1 ignition with the judge limiting arguments about LAFD negligence.

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, is posed after his arrest on charges that he intentionally ignited the Pacific Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, before his first court appearance in Orlando, Florida, U.S. October 8, 2025. Department of Justice/Handout via REUTERS
An aerial view shows homes under construction amid empty lots more than a year after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
An aerial view shows the cleared site of a mobile home park more than a year after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
A chimney stands on a lot covered with weeds and wildflowers in front of a home under construction more than a year after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Overview

  • Opening statements began Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in federal court in downtown Los Angeles and the trial is expected to last about 10 to 11 days.
  • Prosecutors told jurors they will present geolocation and surveillance stills, repeated 911 call records, a barbecue lighter recovered from the defendant’s car, and digital searches and images to place Rinderknecht at the Lachman fire origin.
  • The defense played 911 recordings and said Rinderknecht climbed a hill to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks, repeatedly called for help, and that no direct physical proof ties him to intentionally starting the blaze.
  • U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang has barred the defense from arguing Los Angeles Fire Department negligence and the judge has limited certain potentially prejudicial evidence, shaping what jurors may consider.
  • The Palisades Fire killed 12 people, burned roughly 23,000 acres and destroyed thousands of structures, and the trial’s outcome could affect criminal accountability, public demands for fire-response reforms, and ongoing recovery efforts.