Trial Begins for Man Accused of Starting $37 Billion Los Angeles Fire
Jonathan Rinderknecht is on trial in Los Angeles federal court, accused of starting the most destructive wildfire in the city's history. The fire, known as the Lachman Fire, began on January 1, 2025, and later rekindled into the Palisades Fire, which resulted in 12 deaths, over 23,000 acres burned, and nearly 8,000 structures damaged or destroyed. Rinderknecht's defense attorney, Steve Haney, argues that his client is innocent, claiming Rinderknecht was a 'concerned citizen' who reported the fire after watching New Year’s Eve fireworks. Prosecutors, however, allege that Rinderknecht intentionally set the fire using a barbecue lighter, with cell phone data placing him at the fire's origin. The trial is expected to last about 10 days, with Rinderknecht facing up to 45 years in prison if convicted. 
