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Video of lighter test revealed in court at federal arson trial of accused Palisades fire starter
A lighter prosecutors say Jonathan Rinderknecht used to start the blaze failed to keep brush alight in three attempts during an ATF test shown at his second federal arson trial. The video is central to the defence’s argument that the lighter could not have started the fire, while prosecutors say other evidence links Rinderknecht to it.
Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht started the Lachman Fire on New Year’s Day 2024; it smouldered before reigniting as the Palisades Fire on 7 January 2025. They say his phone placed him alone near the fire, that he called 911 repeatedly to create an alibi, and that he asked ChatGPT whether someone is at fault if a fire is lit by cigarettes. The defence argues fireworks caused the initial fire and says a witness heard an explosion beforehand. Rinderknecht’s first trial ended with a hung jury that voted 10 to 2 for acquittal; the second trial is expected to last nearly two weeks.
In short
- ATF video showed the lighter fail to keep brush burning.
- Prosecutors cite phone records and calls to 911.
- The first trial ended in a hung jury.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The defence can argue that the ATF video materially weakens the claim that this lighter started the blaze: it failed to keep brush alight in three attempts, and a witness reportedly heard an explosion consistent with the defence’s fireworks theory. The first jury’s strong lean towards acquittal also suggests that jurors found the prosecution’s case open to serious doubt.
The case against
Prosecutors can argue that a failed lighter test does not establish what happened at the scene, and that the video must be weighed alongside other evidence. They cite phone data placing Rinderknecht near the fire, repeated 911 calls they say could have created an alibi, and his online question about responsibility for a fire lit by cigarettes.