 "Los Angeles wildfire suspect pleads not guilty to arson charges")
A 29-year-old man accused of starting the massive wildfire that tore through Los Angeles earlier this year has pleaded not guilty to federal arson charges. The blaze, which became one of the most catastrophic in the city’s history, killed twelve people and destroyed thousands of homes across the Pacific Palisades area.
Prosecutors allege that Jonathan Rinderknecht deliberately started a small fire on the night of January 1. Though firefighters initially brought the flames under control, investigators believe the fire continued to smolder beneath thick vegetation and reignited days later as strong winds tore through the city. What followed was a fast-moving inferno that leveled neighborhoods and caused more than 150 billion dollars in damage.
Rinderknecht was formally arraigned in federal court in Los Angeles before Magistrate Judge Rozella Oliver. He faces three felony counts—arson, destruction of property by means of fire, and setting timber ablaze. If convicted, he could face a prison term ranging from five to forty-five years.
The accused was taken into custody in Florida earlier this month and transported to Los Angeles. Appearing in court in white prison clothes and shackles, Rinderknecht requested to speak about his detention before being stopped by his attorney, Steve Haney. The court denied bail and set a trial date for December 16.
Speaking outside the courthouse, Haney questioned the government’s claim that his client should be held responsible for a second, larger fire that reignited a week later. He argued that authorities were shifting blame for mistakes made by firefighters on the ground.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAccording to court filings, Rinderknecht, who had once lived near the Palisades, was working as an Uber driver on New Year’s Eve. After dropping off a passenger, he allegedly drove to a hiking trail, listened to a rap song featuring scenes of fire, and lit the blaze before leaving the area.
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