Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht ignited a fire on Jan. 1, 2025, that smoldered undetected in deep root systems before flaring up again on Jan. 7 and becoming the Palisades Fire. The wildfire ultimately killed 12 people, destroyed thousands of homes across Pacific Palisades and Malibu, and became one of the most destructive fires in California history. While the first trial has ended without a verdict, federal prosecutors have made clear they plan to pursue the case again in a new trial.
