Palisades Fire suspect's behavior typical of arsonist, panel says
Share and Follow


() The suspect in the investigation into the wildfire that ravaged Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood early this year showed a specific kind of behavior.

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, was arrested in Florida and charged with destruction of property by means of fire. Rinderknecht was a former resident of the Pacific Palisades area, authorities said.

Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor for the Southern District of California, and Rick Crawford, a former battalion chief for the Los Angeles Fire Department, joined Wednesday’s “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” to discuss Rinderknecht’s behavior.

Crawford said Rinderknecht showed signs of “typical firebug behavior.”

“An arson investigator … what they do is they look at the behavior of a person like this individual,” he said.

“And what happens is they like to watch their work. Lots of times, they want to help put the fire out. They’ve had an interest in being a firefighter at some point, and not able to quite make it there,” Crawford added.

Crawford also said technology played a pivotal part in the investigation: “Things like being able to geolocate (Rinderknecht), infrared drones to map the fire’s perimeter and capture the hot spots in real time. It shows technology is one of our best witnesses.”

Palisades Fire suspect could face manslaughter, murder charges: Ex-prosecutor

Despite Rahmani calling Rinderknecht’s case unusual, he believes the suspect could also face charges of manslaughter and murder, given that 12 people died as a result of the wildfire.

“I expect when prosecutors go to the grand jury to get an indictment, we are going to see felony murder charges, which, of course, under federal law, carry the potential for the death penalty,” Rahmani said.

“I’m not saying that’s going to be filed in this case, but the exposure is going to be significant,” he added.

“We’re talking a potential life sentence, maybe even death row.”

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said evidence collected from Rinderknecht included an AI-generated image depicting a burning city.

Criminal complaint alleges suspect started ‘Lachman fire’

A criminal complaint alleges Rinderknecht started a New Year’s Day brush fire that came to be called the “Lachman Fire.”

Rinderknecht allegedly then hiked up a trail and shot videos of the fire area, while listening repeatedly to a song by French rap artist “Josman.” The song’s music video allegedly shows objects being set on fire. Rinderknecht called 911 to report the blaze.

Rinderknecht’s initial court appearance took place Wednesday in Orlando. If convicted, the charge carries a mandatory five-year federal prison sentence and is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Jacksonville man sentenced to 270 years for producing, distributing child sexual abuse images

Jacksonville Resident Receives 270-Year Sentence for Child Exploitation and Distribution of Illegal Images

On August 12, 2025, Joshua Davis was convicted for his involvement in…
Putin says he 'is ready for a war with Europe right now'

Putin Declares Readiness for Immediate Conflict with Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning, declaring that Russia…
Jordon Hudson's plan to lure Bill Belichick BACK to the NFL

Jordon Hudson’s Bold Strategy to Bring Bill Belichick Back to the NFL Spotlight

On a Thursday evening in February, just after 10:30 p.m., a couple…
Sabrina Carpenter calls White House video using her song 'evil and disgusting'

Sabrina Carpenter Criticizes White House Video Featuring Her Song as ‘Evil and Disgusting

The White House’s social media team has found itself in a controversy…
Harry and Meghan 'have to make money' to survive, insists Sussex camp

Financial Independence Crucial for Harry and Meghan’s Future, Affirms Sussex Representatives

In a recent defense of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, a source…
Suspect injured in St. Johns County deputy-involved shooting, US-1 shut down temporarily

Breaking News: St. Johns County Incident Closes US-1 After Deputy-Involved Shooting Leaves Suspect Injured

Deputies from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office engaged in a shooting…
9 new pieces of cookware added to recall over lead poisoning concerns

Nine New Cookware Items Recalled Due to Lead Poisoning Risks

A widespread recall is underway, involving various imported cookware items that pose…
The question at center of Mets' Devin Williams signing

Mets’ Strategic Move: Unpacking the Impact of Devin Williams’ Signing

Devin Williams finds himself at the intersection of two distinct narratives, a…