Palisades Fire suspect faces new indictment

By Judy Abel · Sun Aug 16 2026

Federal prosecutors have narrowed their case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused of starting the fire that ultimately became the destructive January 2025 Palisades Fire.

A new indictment filed Aug. 13, replaces the three-count indictment Rinderknecht faced during his first trial with two charges: destruction of property by means of fire and arson affecting property used in interstate commerce. 

The new indictment comes less than two months after Rinderknecht’s federal trial ended in a mistrial when jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict. After deliberating for two days, 10 jurors favored acquittal while two favored conviction. Prosecutors quickly indicated they would pursue a retrial and Rinderknecht remains in federal custody.

Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht intentionally started the Lachman Fire in Pacific Palisades on Jan. 1, 2025, using a lighter. They contend that fire continued smoldering underground before reigniting a week later amid strong winds, developing into the Palisades Fire that spread into Malibu. The Palisades Fire killed 12 people and destroyed 6,800 structures, devastating neighborhoods across both communities.

Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty. His attorneys have argued that prosecutors lack direct evidence that he started the fire and have questioned whether alternative causes were adequately investigated. 

A status conference and arraignment on the new indictment is scheduled for Aug. 19 before U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang. The retrial is expected to take place in the fall.