The trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of starting the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, has seen federal prosecutors rest their case after calling over 30 witnesses. Prosecutors argue that Rinderknecht, who worked as an Uber driver, intentionally sparked the blaze that claimed a dozen lives and thousands of homes and businesses.

Prosecution’s Case

Prosecutors presented surveillance footage showing Rinderknecht’s rental car driving through the area before parking near the Hidden Buddha location, where the fire started. They also found a Bic grill lighter in the glove compartment of Rinderknecht’s rental car, which they believe was used to ignite the blaze.

Rinderknecht’s attorney, Steve Haney, has sought to undercut the government’s case, arguing that nobody saw his client light a fire and emphasizing that Rinderknecht called 911 multiple times when the initial blaze broke out.

Defense’s Case

Haney argued that the fire was started by New Year’s Eve fireworks, but government witnesses testified that investigators followed up on every lead and were able to disprove the firework theory. Rinderknecht himself told investigators that he was alone near the Hidden Buddha location and hadn’t seen or heard any fireworks.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.