Federal prosecutors allege that 30-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht appeared fixated on Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The man accused of starting the first fire that led to the deadly Palisades blaze in January of last year allegedly had a troubled history that included frustration with his past relationship and a fixation on Luigi Mangione.
Federal prosecutors allege that 30-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht was upset over a past relationship with a former coworker and angry about not having plans on New Year’s Eve prior to the fire. While working as an Uber driver, passengers of his claimed that he displayed erratic behavior that night, describing him as angry, driving recklessly, and ranting about his frustration with the world, according to ABC 7.
Authorities also said Rinderknecht had an obsession with fire and appeared fixated on Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
During a January 2025 interview with investigators, Rinderknecht was reportedly asked why someone might commit arson in the Palisades. He responded that it could be done “out of resentment of the rich enjoying their money as ‘we’re basically being enslaved by them.”
Investigators also allege Rinderknecht searched online for phrases related to Mangione in the weeks before the Lachman Fire, including “free Luigi Mangione,” “let’s take down all the billionaires,” and “reddit lets kill all the billionaires,” weeks before the Lachman Fire.
Rinderknejct was ordered last November to remain in custody pending trial after being denied bond. Magistrate Judge Rozella A. Oliver ruled that Rinderknecht should stay jailed due to mental health issues as well as the distress he has caused his family.
Rinderknecht is scheduled to stand trial in June. Prosecutors expect to call as many as 50 witnesses, and court proceedings could last up to 10 days. He faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted on all charges.