Matt O'Brien
Coverage of Matt O'Brien in the Nexus archive.
- Prosecutors paint Palisades Fire suspect as a premeditated arsonist in opening statements
Prosecutors allege Jonathan Rinderknecht premeditatedly started the deadly Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on Jan. 1, 2025, while his defense claims he tried to stop the blaze and is innocent. Security footage and 911 calls are central to the case, with Rinderknecht facing charges including malicious destruction by fire.
- Opening statements begin in trial for man accused of sparking the deadly Palisades Fire
Opening statements began in the federal arson trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of starting the deadly Palisades Fire near Los Angeles. Prosecutors allege he ignited the fire on January 1, 2025, using evidence like security footage and a seized lighter, while his defense claims he was watching fireworks and disputes proof of guilt. The fire killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes.