Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused of starting the devastating Palisades fire, was reportedly threatening to burn down his sister’s house and shoot his brother-in-law before he was arrested in connection with January’s massive wildfire.
Testimony from a Thursday morning court hearing revealed that twice in September, authorities were dispatched to Rinderknecht’s home in Florida. The first was because of his threats to burn down his sister’s home, where he was living at the time, and the second was when Rinderknecht’s father was concerned that his son had a gun.
After Rinderknecht allegedly threatened to shoot his brother-in-law, he told authorities the threat was made in self-defense, and that his gun was locked in a safe. Upon investigation, they found the gun inside a stuffed animal in the garage, according to testimony from the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms special agent in charge on Thursday.
Rinderknecht’s family members moved out of the home after the incidents, citing concerns about his mental health. There were two children living in the home at the time.
At the hearing, his mental state, evidence connecting him to the fire, and threats made against family were all discussed by prosecutors and defense attorneys. Prosecutors are advocating for the death penalty to be considered in the case, if Rinderknecht is convicted. They suggest he should face a punishment far more severe than the federal guideline of up to 20 years in federal prison.
Rinderknecht was arrested near his home in Melbourne, Fla., and was charged with destruction of property by means of fire. The 29-year-old Uber driver is accused of starting the most expensive wildfire in U.S. history.
Authorities said Wednesday that Rinderknecht “intentionally and maliciously” set the Lachman fire on January 1. While authorities believed they had suppressed that fire, it continued to smolder underground in what is known as a “holdover fire,” and ultimately turned into the devastating Palisades fire, which killed twelve people, destroyed more than 6,800 structures, and damaged more than 1,000 buildings, according to acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.
In addition, more than 23,000 acres of land burned, with the fire causing $150 billion in damage.
Rinderknecht was charged with three felony counts in connection to the fire. After dropping off Uber passengers, it is believed he walked up a trail and set the fire. Officials said he was listening to a rap song that included a video of things being set on fire. An AI image of a city burning was also found in his search history.
It was previously reported that Rinderknecht had no criminal history, but that he had lied to authorities during the investigation.
The Orlando judge decided that Rinderknecht will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals, and his next hearing is scheduled for October 17.