From WESH2.com: The 29-year-old California Palisades Fire suspect appeared before a judge Thursday morning in Orlando, where new details in the case were revealed.
The judge ruled that the suspect, Jonathan Rinderknecht, will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
The ruling came after a nearly 90-minute hearing following testimony from the ATF Special Agent in Charge, who described two police visits to Rinderknecht’s home in September:
- On Sept. 19 when Rinderknecht threatened to burn down his sister and brother-in-law’s home
- On Sept. 25 when Rinderknecht’s dad, visiting from France, reported to police he was concerned about him having a gun
According to prosecutors, Rinderknecht moved to Florida from southern California 5 months ago, after he allegedly ignited the blaze on January 1 that sparked the most expensive wildfire in U.S. history.
What is now known as the Palisades Fire burned 23,400 acres and destroyed more than 6,800 structures, including many homes in Pacific Palisades and Malibu. Twelve people were killed in the horrific fire.
Rinderknect has reportedly been living with his sister and brother-in-law in a home in a gated community just outside of Orlando, Florida. However, the couple became so scared of him that they and their two children reportedly moved out.
Rinderknecht allegedly threatened to shoot his brother-in-law, prompting his father to call police. Renderknect had claimed his gun was locked in a safe, but police finally found it inside a stuffed animal in the garage.
Today we are announcing the arrest of 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht on a criminal complaint charging him with maliciously starting what became the Palisades Fire in January.
⁰The complaint alleges that Rinderknecht’s started a fire in Pacific Palisades on New Year’s Day –… pic.twitter.com/UzrFa0Lmrz— Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) October 8, 2025
Palisades Fire suspect appears before Florida judge, will remain in US Marshals custody | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/7FmupEn1sp
— WESH 2 News (@WESH) October 9, 2025
READ MORE from WESH2.com.
BREAKING: DOJ announces arrest of suspect believed responsible for deadly Palisades fire
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