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Palisades Fire suspect: Jonathan Rinderknecht to remain behind bars
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, appeared in federal court in Orlando, wearing a red jail uniform and restraints around his wrists, waist, and ankles. The judge denied his attorney’s request for pretrial release, citing concerns about his mental health, his ties to France, and the severity of the charges, which could carry the death penalty.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Jonathan Rinderknecht, the 29-year-old man charged with starting what became the deadly Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, California, was in federal court in Orlando on Thursday.
United States Magistrate Judge Nathan W. Hill denied Rinderknecht, ordering him to remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals pending trial, according to FOX 35's Hannah McKenzie, who attended the court hearing. He's charged with destruction of property by means of fire.
Rinderknecht's brother and two sisters attended the court hearing and were seated in the second row, FOX News reported.
If convicted, Rinderknecht would face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, officials said.
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New details
As part of the court hearing, additional details about Rinderknecht and the case were shared by the Special Agent in charge and attorneys representing Rinderknecht. Special Agent Harrison testified about how long Rinderknecht lived in Florida, when he moved her, his relationship with his family, and details on his arrest:
- Rinderknecht moved to Florida from California five months ago, and lived with his sister and brother-in-law in Melbourne, Florida.
- Law enforcement was called to the home twice in five months:On. Sept. 19, Rinderknecht's brother-in-law called 911 after an argument at the house, where Rinderknecht allegedly threatened to "burn the house down." Police arrived and found no crime occurred. Rinderknecht was told to take a drive and cool off.On Sept. 25, Rinderknecht's father was visiting from France. The dad reportedly called 911 after Rinderknecht made a comment that he would use a firearm on his brother-in-law in self-defense.
- On. Sept. 19, Rinderknecht's brother-in-law called 911 after an argument at the house, where Rinderknecht allegedly threatened to "burn the house down." Police arrived and found no crime occurred. Rinderknecht was told to take a drive and cool off.
- On Sept. 25, Rinderknecht's father was visiting from France. The dad reportedly called 911 after Rinderknecht made a comment that he would use a firearm on his brother-in-law in self-defense.
- Rinderknecht's sister, brother-in-law, and their two children, moved out of the house because they felt unsafe. They let Rinderknecht live there.
- Rinderknecht's family reportedly offered to help financially support Rinderknecht, offering $15,000, two months rent, and to help with moving expenses. Rinderknecht reportedly wanted them to co-sign a lease for him in California.
- Rinderknecht reportedly had a magazine with .380 caliber bullets on him when he was arrested, and no gun. He reportedly indicated to officers that he had a gun in the safe, but it was found inside a stuffed animal.
- Special Agent Harrison said Rinderknecht bought the gun on Sept. 25 legally.
- During testimony and cross-examination, a FOX producer noticed that Rinderknecht shook his head several times, appearing to be in disagreement with some of the statements being made.
- The judge cited Rinderknecht's mental health, unsteady income, and stressed relationship with family as reasons to deny bond.
Who is Jonathan Rinderknecht?
The backstory:
Rinderknecht, also known as "Jonathan Rinder," and "Jon Rinder," is originally from Indiana and has a high school diploma.
Investigators said he was previously a resident of Palisades and was familiar with the neighborhood he is accused of starting the fire in. Officials said he later moved to Melbourne, Florida, after starting the fire.
Authorities said Rinderknecht started the fire after he finished his shift as an Uber driver. Videos of the fire taken on his cellphone and 911 calls were among the evidence connecting Rinderknecht to the fire, officials said.
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Detectives said Rinderknecht has talked with investigators and given "false statements."
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Reaction from community where fire suspect was arrested
A Brevard County man was arrested for allegedly starting California’s deadly Palisades Fire. The blaze killed 12 and destroyed thousands of homes before being contained in January. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz speaks with former locals who say the arrest hits close to home — both literally and emotionally.
What is the Palisades Fire?
The backstory:
The Palisades Fire was the most destructive fire in the city's history. It killed 12 people, burned more than 23,000 acres and destroyed more than 6,000 structures, officials said.
The fire was first reported on Jan. 7, 2025 in Palisades Highlands, an LA-area neighborhood.
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the U.S. Department of Justice in a press release and at a press conference on Oct. 8, 2025.