Home / Disasters and Accidents / Judge Denies Bond for Man Accused in Deadly LA Wildfire
Judge Denies Bond for Man Accused in Deadly LA Wildfire
19 Nov
Summary
- Suspect accused of starting a deadly wildfire in Los Angeles is denied bail.
- The wildfire, reignited from an initial small fire, caused significant destruction.
- The judge cited mental health concerns and family distress for the detention ruling.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, will remain in jail as he awaits trial for allegedly starting a devastating wildfire in Los Angeles. The blaze, which ignited on January 1st and reignited nearly a week later, scorched Pacific Palisades and Malibu, resulting in 12 fatalities in the immediate area. This fire was part of a larger incident that destroyed over 17,000 homes and buildings across Los Angeles County.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Rozella A. Oliver denied Rinderknecht's bond request, citing concerns about his mental health and the distress he has caused his sister and her family. Rinderknecht was arrested in Orlando, Florida, on October 7th. Prosecutors argued he was a flight risk due to family in France and his fluency in French, alongside concerns about his declining mental state and alleged arsonist traits.
Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty to charges including malicious destruction by fire and arson. His trial is scheduled for April 21, 2026. His attorney contends that even if Rinderknecht started the initial small fire, intervening factors, including the Los Angeles Fire Department's response, contributed to the later, larger blaze.
