Defense in Palisades Fire Retrial Seeks Testimony Linking Fireworks to Chris Bosh’s Mansion

Key points

• Defense attorney Steve Haney seeks testimony from retired Cal Fire investigator Michael T. Cole, who claims to have documented marks on the driveway and rear patio of Chris Bosh’s mansion consistent with a launched firework.
• Prosecutors oppose Cole’s testimony, arguing he has 'zero qualifications, training, or experience' and that his opinion is based solely on six drone photographs of a brown stain taken in February 2025 or 2026, with no in-person inspection or testing.
• Rinderknecht is accused of igniting the Lachman Fire on January 1, 2025, using a lighter, which allegedly smoldered underground for six days before reigniting as the deadly Palisades Fire on January 7, 2025, fueled by Santa Ana winds.
• The Palisades Fire burned 23,400 acres, killed 12 people, and destroyed over 6,800 structures. Rinderknecht’s first trial ended in a mistrial in June 2026 after a 10-2 jury split in favor of acquittal.
• Chris Bosh, a two-time NBA champion, owns the $11 million Pacific Palisades mansion and was renting it out when the fires occurred. He is not a suspect in the case.

Background

The Palisades Fire, which began in January 2025, was one of the most destructive wildfires in California history. The initial Lachman Fire was contained by January 2, 2025, but investigators believe it smoldered underground before reigniting on January 7, 2025, during a windstorm. Rinderknecht was arrested in October 2025 and has remained in federal custody. His first trial ended in a mistrial in June 2026, leading to a retrial with revised charges separating the Lachman Fire and the Palisades Fire.

How outlets are covering it

TMZ and the New York Post emphasize the defense’s attempt to link the fire to fireworks at Bosh’s mansion, highlighting Cole’s testimony and prosecutors’ objections. NBC Los Angeles focuses on the procedural aspects of the retrial, including the late disclosure of Cole and the judge’s order for more information. EssentiallySports provides background on Bosh’s property and the legal proceedings, noting that Bosh is not a suspect. All sources agree on the core facts but differ in emphasis: TMZ and the Post highlight the Bosh connection, NBC focuses on trial procedures, and EssentiallySports provides broader context on the case and Bosh’s property.

Why it matters

The retrial of Jonathan Rinderknecht is a high-profile case with significant implications for wildfire accountability in California. The defense’s attempt to introduce testimony linking the fire to fireworks at a high-profile property could influence public perception and the outcome of the trial. The case also highlights the challenges of proving arson in complex wildfire scenarios and the role of expert testimony in criminal proceedings.

What to watch

The judge is expected to decide whether to admit Cole as a witness after receiving more information from the defense. The retrial will continue with testimony from both sides, and the jury will ultimately decide whether Rinderknecht is guilty of arson. The case may also influence future wildfire investigations and the use of expert testimony in similar cases.