Introduction to the Case
A federal magistrate judge denied bail again Tuesday for the man accused by federal prosecutors of causing the Palisades fire in January, ruling that Jonathan Rinderknecht could pose a danger to the community and remained a flight risk.
"We knew it was an uphill battle, with the publicity and the strong feelings people already have about Jonathan," defense attorney Steve Haney said outside court.
The Defense’s Perspective
Defense attorney Steve Haney talks with reporters outside federal court in Downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 after a judge denied a second request to release his client on bond ahead of trial. Haney represents Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused by federal prosecutors of causing the Palisades Fire.
"I respect the judge’s decision I think she made a very careful, measured decision, and we’re disappointed but not entirely surprised by the ruling," he said.
The Prosecution’s Stance
The US Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles declined to comment. Rinderknecht, 29, pleaded not guilty last month to 3 federal arson charges that accuse him of igniting the January 1 "Lachman" fire in the Palisades Highlands. Trial is scheduled for April, 2026.
Background on the Case
Rinderknecht was previously denied bail at an initial hearing following his arrest in Florida in October. The ATF says its investigation concluded that days after the Lachman fire appeared extinguished, intense winds rekindled embers still smoldering underground and caused the Palisades fire, making Rinderknecht responsible for both.
Defense Strategy
"They got a major, major hurdle to cross just to prove he had anything to do with the Lachman fire to begin with," Haney said of the prosecution’s theory, and said he had already found witnesses and potential evidence that he believed contradicted some of the key elements in the case against his client. Federal prosecutors opposed the possibility of a pretrial release on bail in court papers filed earlier this week, and said Rinderknecht had considered leaving the US before his arrest.
Testimony and Evidence
In court Tuesday Rinderknecht’s father Joel, who lives in France, testified that would be impossible, because his son’s US passport expired in 2023 and he never obtained a French passport.
Courtroom sketch by Mona Edwards shows Joel Rinderknecht testifying during a detention hearing in federal court in Downtown LA on November 18, 2025. KNBC KVEA ONLY
Joel Rinderknecht also said federal agents had mischaracterized 2 disputes that led to police calls at his daughter’s home in Florida, where Jonathan Rinderknecht was staying when he was arrested in October. He told the judge he and his family now believes his son is innocent of the arson charges. “Everybody in the family is very upset that he is being accused of this," he said.
Conclusion
The denial of bail for Jonathan Rinderknecht marks a significant development in the case against him for allegedly causing the Palisades fire. As the trial approaches, both the prosecution and defense will continue to build their cases, with the defense aiming to prove Rinderknecht’s innocence and the prosecution seeking to establish his guilt.
FAQs
- Q: What are the charges against Jonathan Rinderknecht?
A: Rinderknecht is charged with 3 federal arson charges for allegedly igniting the January 1 "Lachman" fire in the Palisades Highlands. - Q: What is the status of Rinderknecht’s bail?
A: Rinderknecht’s bail has been denied twice, with the latest denial citing concerns that he poses a danger to the community and is a flight risk. - Q: When is the trial scheduled?
A: The trial is scheduled for April 2026. - Q: What is the defense’s strategy?
A: The defense aims to contradict key elements of the prosecution’s case, including proving that Rinderknecht had nothing to do with the Lachman fire. - Q: What was the testimony of Rinderknecht’s father, Joel?
A: Joel Rinderknecht testified that his son’s US passport had expired and he never obtained a French passport, making it impossible for him to leave the US. He also disputed the characterization of disputes at his daughter’s home in Florida.
