Accused LA wildfire arsonist wanted ‘revenge on society’, prosecutors say as trial opens
Defense says no evidence occasional Uber driver Jonathan Rinderknecht ignited deadly blaze on New Year’s Day 2025
TL;DR
- Jonathan Rinderknecht is on trial, accused of starting the deadly Palisades fire on New Year's Day 2025.
- Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht, an Uber driver, acted out of anger over a failed relationship and social isolation.
- The defense claims fireworks, not Rinderknecht, caused the fire.
- Investigators seized a barbecue lighter from Rinderknecht's car, which he admitted to having on the trail.
- Prosecutors presented a ChatGPT prompt from Rinderknecht about a burning forest.
- The defense highlighted Rinderknecht's 911 calls and cooperation with investigators as signs of innocence.
- The judge ruled that evidence or arguments about alleged negligence by the fire department are inadmissible.