Thousands of homes gone, 12 lives lost— Now the accused goes on trial

• Jonathan Rinderknecht is set to stand trial this week, accused of igniting the catastrophic Palisades Fire that killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes.
• Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty to federal charges, facing a minimum of five years in prison if convicted of malicious destruction by fire.
• Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht started a fire on New Year's Day 2025 that smoldered before erupting, citing cellphone data and a Bic lighter found in his vehicle as key evidence.
• The defense argues Rinderknecht is being unfairly blamed, suggesting authorities failed to extinguish an earlier fire, though the judge ruled against presenting evidence of fire department negligence.
• The trial begins amid ongoing grief and frustration in the Palisades, where residents face rebuilding delays and insurance disputes, and the disaster is also affecting Los Angeles politics.

IN FULL

The suspect says he’s a scapegoat. Prosecutors say he sparked disaster