On New Year’s Eve, Jonathan Rinderknecht drove to a hiking area near Pacific Palisades, California, post his Uber shift. Around midnight, he filmed a 360-degree video and played a song symbolizing despair. Shortly after this, a fire ignited, evolving into the devastating Palisades Fire, which destroyed thousands of properties and claimed 12 lives. Federal investigators have charged Rinderknecht with arson, suggesting he used a lighter to start the blaze. Evidence includes GPS data, 911 call timestamps, and Rinderknecht’s DNA found on a lighter linked to the incident. Despite his claims of helping with the fire, investigators noted inconsistencies in his statements and observed signs of anxiety during questioning. The investigation, which utilized advanced technology and traditional methods, aimed to uncover the full extent of Rinderknecht’s actions on that fateful night. If convicted, he faces 5 to 20 years in prison.
Source link
Share
Read more