Palisades Fire arson charges against Uber driver go to jury

A Los Angeles jury is determining if former Uber driver Jonathan Rinderknecht intentionally started a fire on New Year’s Day 2025 that later became the city’s most destructive firestorm. Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht, motivated by resentment toward the wealthy, ignited the Lachman Fire, which smoldered and reignited during Santa Ana winds, destroying thousands of homes. Evidence includes geolocation data linking him to the fire’s origin and his prolonged presence at the site.