The man accused of setting the Pacific Palisades Fire in Los Angeles that killed a dozen people in January could face the death penalty. Although 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht currently is charged only with destruction of property by means of fire, prosecutors told a judge Thursday that additional charges could result in a death sentence.
The existing charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted. On Thursday, a judge ordered that Rinderknecht remain in jail ahead of trial.
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The U.S. experiences an average of 70,000 wildfires annually, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
Prosecution and defense teams spent more than an hour arguing about Rinderknecht’s mental state, the evidence connecting him to the fire and threats he made against his family. Following arguments, Magistrate Judge Nathan Hill said that there was enough evidence to keep Rinderknecht in custody despite there being no clear evidence that he would harm anyone.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Lyons described Rinderknecht as a loner who had a “despondent view of the world.” Lyons also said that he was living paycheck to paycheck, working as a driver for Uber and DoorDash.
Following the fires in California, Rinderknecht traveled to Florida to live with his sister, his brother-in-law and their two children. Lyons said that police were called to the home on Sept. 19 after Rinderknecht threatened to “burn the house down” during an argument. The police were called again after his sister and brother-in-law discovered that Rinderknecht had an unloaded gun. The weapon was legally obtained, but he had allegedly threatened to use it against his brother-in-law.
Rinderknecht was not arrested during either incident. He was allowed to stay at the house, but his sister and her family moved out. Both his sister and brother-in-law attended the hearing.
Rinderknecht is expected back in court on Oct. 17.
How would the death penalty work in this case?
Hill said that Rinderknecht’s charges were severe and that the prosecution would likely file additional charges. Prosecutors told the judge that those other charges could lead them to seek the death penalty.
However, this case will be tried in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a moratorium on the death penalty in 2019.
Currently, the state has more than 500 inmates on death row. California last executed an inmate in 2006.
How did the fire start?
According to authorities, the Palisades Fire started as a holdover fire, or a fire that starts from remnants of a previous fire. They said the Lachman Fire was the holdover fire that reignited six days later.
Authorities said Rinderknecht started the Lachman Fire on New Year’s Day. Prosecutors said Rinderknecht tried to call 911 but his cell phone was out of range. He had allegedly left the scene but quickly returned and filmed the fire.
According to the Department of Justice, strong winds reignited the smoldering remains of the Lachman Fire. The fire burned for 24 days, killing 12 people and destroying nearly 7,000 structures.
