The man accused of starting the devastating inferno that ravaged the Pacific Palisades and killed 12 people came face to face with victims of the blaze Tuesday as the jury that will decide his fate was selected.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 30, watched as all 46 prospective jurors as they faced questions from Judge Anne Hwang in a federal courtroom in downtown Los Angeles 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 impact her ability to be an impartial juror.
“Having that experience and my entire community being impacted, I have doubt,” she said.
Another potential juror fought back tears as she described her work at a Santa Monica medical facility while the Palisades Fire destroyed 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 upset and dazed, said he had seen Rinderknecht’s activity on social media, where he posted anti-Trump screeds, photos of wildfires and a music video from a French rapper showing the musician lighting items on fire.
“I can’t come in with a clear head, knowing what I know. I’m already biased against him. I won’t be able to set that aside,” he said. He was also excused.
Rinderknecht — who was wearing a white shirt, tie, black pants, and a light beard — was actively involved in the selection process. He was seen reading through questionnaires and looking closely at the potential jurors’ faces.
His high-profile attorney, Steve Haney, spoke exclusively with The California Post after the hearing to explain his client’s mindset.
“His life’s on the line, so he wants to be involved in picking a fair and impartial jury,” Haney said. “He was super involved in doing so, and I was glad he was.”
By the end of jury selection on Tuesday, a group of nine women and three men had been picked, with opening statements scheduled to start Wednesday morning.
“We know what’s on the line for the client,” Haney continued. “It’s always about the client. It’s about giving him the best defense and the best shot to acquit himself of the charges, and I think he’s got a pretty good chance.”
Prosecutors say Rinderknecht ignited the most expensive wildfire in US history, which torched thousands of homes and caused $150 billion in damages.
The Florida native, 30, who lived in the area, allegedly ignited the flames near a hiking trail in the hillside 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 sparking the smaller Lachman Fire in the Palisades Highlands
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