Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, a former Uber driver and missionary’s son, is facing federal charges for allegedly starting one of California’s most devastating fires. Friends described him as shy and nice, though he had a troubled past that included a legal dispute with a neighbor over abuse and drug use.
The accusations stem from a fire set near a popular hiking trail in the Pacific Palisades on January 1st. Rinderknecht reportedly listened to a French rap song and downloaded an AI image of a burning city, but he has not commented publicly nor has a motive been revealed. Friends and former roommates expressed disbelief at the charges, stating he was not violent but could be confrontational.
Previously, Rinderknecht experienced strained living situations, including possible drug use and conflicts with landlords. He was involved in unrelated civil lawsuits in California. After the fire, he moved to Florida, where he was arrested. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 17.
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