NEED TO KNOW
- Jonathan Rinderknecht is accused of starting the California Palisades Fire in January
- Rinderknecht faces one count of destruction of property by means of fire, one count of arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and one count of timber set afire
- He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Thursday, Oct. 23
Jonathan Rinderknecht, the 29-year-old man accused of starting the California Palisades Fire, has pleaded not guilty to arson and other charges, according to multiple reports.
The Pacific Palisades resident pleaded not guilty in a Los Angeles courtroom on Thursday, Oct. 23, according to Reuters, ABC 7, and FOX 11.
Rinderknecht appeared in court wearing white jail garb and a chain around his waist, but he was not handcuffed, per FOX 11. He reportedly spoke in a “loud, clear voice” as he entered his not-guilty plea and confirmed that he understands the charges against him, per the outlet.
Jonathan Rinderknecht.
Bill Essayli, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California/X
Rinderknecht, who is also known as “Jonathan Rinder” and “Jon Rinder,” was arrested earlier this month and remains in federal custody. On Thursday Rinderknecht’s attorney, Steve Haney, pushed for a hearing for his release, per Reuters, ABC 7, and FOX 11.
Haney argued that Rinderknecht has no history of mental health issues or drug use and has no prior criminal record. U.S. Magistrate Judge Rozella A. Oliver ultimately decided for Rinderknecht to remain in jail while he waits for his trial.
Rinderknecht also addressed the judge, stating that he wanted to “talk about” his detention, Reuters reported. However, Haney intervened and Rinderknecht’s trial was scheduled for Dec. 16.
Following the hearing, Haney challenged his client being blamed for a fire that he claimed was not properly extinguished.
“So why are they blaming him for whatever the fire department didn’t do?” Haney said, according to Reuters.
PEOPLE reached out to Haney for comment.
Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed while a helicopter drops water as the Palisades Fire grows on January 7, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California.
DAVID SWANSON/AFP/Getty
Rinderknecht faces one count of destruction of property by means of fire, one count of arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and one count of timber set afire, according to a filing from the U.S. Attorney’s office. The latter charges were announced earlier in October.
Having initially faced 20 years in jail, the additional indictments raised his possible jail term to 45 years, with a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison.
A firefighter battles flames from the Palisades Fire on January 7, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades.
Eric Thayer/Getty
Rinderknecht is accused of starting the January blaze known as the Palisades Fires, which ultimately went on to claim the lives of 12 people and burn over 23,000 acres, according to a report from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
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Rinderknecht is set to return to court Nov. 12 for a status conference, per FOX 11. A tentative trial date has been set for Dec. 16.
