The man accused of starting the devastating inferno that devastated the Pacific Palisades and killed 12 people came face to face with the fire victims Tuesday as the jury that will decide his fate was selected.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 30, watched as all 46 potential jurors were asked questions by Judge Anne Hwang in a federal courtroom in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, with some victims describing their personal experiences with the January 2025 wildfire.
In one dramatic moment, a prospective juror who was evacuated as the flames raged was asked if the horror she experienced would affect her ability to be an impartial juror.
“Now that I have that experience and the consequences for my entire community, I have doubts,” she said.
Another potential juror fought back tears as she described her work at a Santa Monica medical facility as the Palisades Fire devastated the community.
“Six or seven patients were all affected, they were all crying. We couldn’t discharge patients because they had nowhere to go,” she said, apologizing for her emotions.
Both were excused.
One young man, looking angry and dazed, said he had seen Rinderknecht’s activities on social media, where he posted anti-Trump screeds, photos of forest fires and a video clip of a French rapper in which the musician set objects on fire.
“I can’t come in with a clear head, knowing what I know. I’m already biased against him. I’m not going to be able to put that aside,” he said. He was also excused.
Rinderknecht – who wore a white shirt, tie, black trousers and a light beard – was actively involved in the selection process. He was seen going through the questionnaires and looking closely at the faces of the potential jurors.
His high-profile attorney, Steve Haney, spoke exclusively to The California Post after the hearing to explain his client’s mentality.
“His life is on the line, so he wants to be involved in choosing a fair and impartial jury,” Haney said. “He was super involved and I was happy that he was.”
By the end of jury selection on Tuesday, a group of nine women and three men had been chosen, with opening statements scheduled for Wednesday morning.
“We know what’s at stake for the customer,” Haney continued. “It’s always about the client. It’s about giving him the best defense and the best chance to clear himself of the charges, and I think he has a pretty good chance.”
Prosecutors say Rinderknecht started the costliest wildfire in U.S. history, burning thousands of homes and causing $150 billion in damage.
The 30-year-old Florida resident, who lived in the area, allegedly ignited the flames near a hillside hiking trail at 12:12 a.m. on New Year’s Day – moments after dropping off his Uber passengers.
Rinderknecht was indicted last year on three federal arson charges for allegedly starting the smaller Lachman fire in the Palisades Highlands.
