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Uber Driver Charged in Deadly $150 Billion Fire

10/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Jonathan Rinderknecht, an Uber driver, is charged with igniting the Palisades Fire on Jan 1, 2025.
The fire killed 12 people, destroyed 7,000 homes, and caused $150 billion in damages.
Prosecutors say he filmed the start and listened to a despair rap; the Florida hearing is postponed; penalties include at least five years or the death penalty.

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Story summary

Jonathan Rinderknecht, an Uber driver, is charged with igniting the Palisades Fire on Jan 1, 2025.
The fire killed 12 people, destroyed 7,000 homes, and caused $150 billion in damages.
Prosecutors say he filmed the start and listened to a despair rap; the Florida hearing is postponed; penalties include at least five years or the death penalty.