In Los Angeles, a suspect has been arrested on arson charges tied to the Pacific Palisades fire that killed 12 individuals and caused damages surpassing $150 billion.
Following a joint investigation by the ATF’s Los Angeles field division, the LAPD, and the LAFD, Jonathan Rinderknecht has been charged with three federal offenses related to the Pacific Palisades fire. The affidavit includes digital evidence, notably a ChatGPT prompt submitted by the defendant, depicting a dystopian painting featuring a burning forest and a fleeing crowd.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, the defendant has been charged with destruction of property by fire, a serious federal offense that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, arrested in Florida, will be extradited to California to face federal arson charges. The charges carry a minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison; however, due to the fire’s deadly toll, prosecutors may seek the death penalty.
The Palisades Fire ignited in early January near a hiking trail in Topanga State Park, burning for 24 days. It scorched over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 6,000 buildings, and killed 12 people.
