An aerial photo taken on January 27, 2025, shows the widespread destruction caused by the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades area. (AP Photo)
A federal judge in Florida ordered Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused of starting California’s deadly Palisades Fire, to remain in jail. The judge said he had concerns about the suspect’s mental state and his ability to appear for court hearings in California.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathan Hill made the ruling Thursday after prosecutors described Rinderknecht as having “traits of an arsonist” and said his family feared for their safety.
The Deadly Fire and Investigation
Federal investigators say Rinderknecht, who once lived in Southern California, started a small blaze on New Year’s Day that smouldered underground for several days before reigniting on January 7. The second fire quickly spread through the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas, killing 12 people and destroying thousands of homes.
The Palisades Fire was one of two massive wildfires that day, which together killed more than 30 people and destroyed 17,000 buildings across Los Angeles County.
Prosecutors Say He’s a Flight Risk
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Lyons argued that Rinderknecht posed a flight risk because he has family in France and speaks French fluently. She said his behaviour and mental health made him unpredictable.
During the hearing, Rinderknecht appeared in court wearing a red jail uniform and shackles. An agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) testified that the suspect had lived with his sister and brother-in-law in Florida for several months before they moved out and began eviction proceedings, fearing for their safety.
The agent said Rinderknecht once threatened to burn down their house during an argument and, on another occasion, claimed he owned a gun for self-defence. No charges were filed after either incident.
Lyons said his mental health issues, isolation, and unstable employment made him a concern. She also noted that he spent much of his time online and had a “despondent view of the world.”
Defence Argues for Release
Assistant Federal Defender Aziza Hawthorne asked the court to release Rinderknecht under strict conditions. She said there was no proof that his threats were serious or that he had ever acted violently. Hawthorne told the court that her client was seeing a psychiatrist and that his family continued to support him through the case.
“He is not a risk to anyone,” she said.
Despite the plea, the judge ruled that Rinderknecht must remain behind bars until his next court hearing on October 17, when prosecutors will present more evidence.
Fire Investigation Continues
Investigators said they first interviewed Rinderknecht in January and later reviewed phone data, digital records, and physical evidence to confirm his involvement. ATF officials said they followed more than 200 leads and collected over 13,000 pieces of evidence, including fire debris and DNA samples.
They also recreated the blaze in a lab to confirm how it reignited days after being put out. Officials said underground “holdover” fires can smoulder unseen for days, even after firefighters think they’ve been extinguished.
“The person who started this fire is solely to blame,” said ATF Special Agent Kenny Cooper.
