Prosecutors argue ‘emotional’ Uber driver ignited Palisades Fire as trial begins

A New Year’s Day fire led to the destructive Palisades Fire. Jonathan Rinderknecht is charged with three federal crimes.

LOS ANGELES — A man distraught over a failed relationship “maliciously” started a New Year’s Day fire in the first hours of 2025 that, a week later, metastasized into one of the worst disasters in Los Angeles history, federal prosecutors said in court Wednesday.

Subscribe to read this story ad-free

Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 30, is on trial and accused of three federal charges of destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and timber set afire.

He pleaded not guilty in October and could face up to 45 years in prison if convicted.