Verdict Reached in Palisades Fire Arson Case

Jurors in Los Angeles have reached a verdict in the federal arson trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, the Uber driver accused of starting the deadly Palisades Fire in 2025 that killed 12 and devastated thousands of homes; prosecutors portrayed him as driven by revenge and cited the Hidden Buddha clearing as the ignition site, with more than 30 witnesses, while the defense argued there was insufficient evidence of intent and suggested fireworks as a possible cause. He faces three federal charges including destruction of property by fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and timber set afire, with the verdict to be read in court.