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Trial Set for Pacific Palisades Fire Suspect Rinderknecht

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Prosecutors are building a case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, the suspect charged with starting the Lachman fire in Pacific Palisades, California.
Rinderknecht allegedly ignited the fire with an open flame on New Year’s Day 2025.
The trial is set for April 21, 2026, with a defense argument that the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) shares responsibility.

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Story summary

Prosecutors are building a case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, the suspect charged with starting the Lachman fire in Pacific Palisades, California.
Rinderknecht allegedly ignited the fire with an open flame on New Year’s Day 2025.
The trial is set for April 21, 2026, with a defense argument that the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) shares responsibility.