Man Accused of Starting Devastating Palisades Fire Had History of Disputes, Erratic Behavior
Federal prosecutors have charged Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, with intentionally igniting the Palisades fire in January, one of the most destructive wildfires in California history, sparking concerns about the growing threat of arson amid increasingly dry conditions.
Authorities allege Rinderknecht set the fire just after midnight on January 1st along a popular hiking trail in Pacific Palisades, and that he repeatedly listened to a French rap song and downloaded an AI-generated image depicting a burning city prior to the incident. He was arrested yesterday in Florida and appeared briefly in an Orlando federal courtroom, where he was appointed a federal public defender. According to court records, he remains in custody and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on October 17th.
Those who knew Rinderknecht described a complex individual. Peter Chang, a former neighbor in Hollywood, recalled him as “a really nice guy,” quiet and shy, while a former roommate, who requested anonymity, stated, “The Jonathan I know would never do anything like that,” but also acknowledged he could become “bratty” when challenged. Landlords and acquaintances also reported instances of disrespectful behavior and potential substance use. Court records show Rinderknecht was involved in civil lawsuits, including one stemming from a car crash while driving for DoorDash, and another he initiated against a neighbor that was later dismissed.
Rinderknecht’s background includes ties to Florida, Hollywood, Pacific Palisades, and the south of France, where his parents worked as missionaries. His mother, Jennifer, is originally from Florida, and his father, Joel, is a French citizen. Pastor Shawn Hurley, who knew the family through their missionary work, described Rinderknecht as an “average teenager” who favored the Olympique de Marseille soccer team. Prosecutors are currently arranging witnesses for the upcoming preliminary hearing, and officials have not yet released a motive for the alleged arson.
