During the upcoming retrial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, who faces federal charges for allegedly igniting the devastating Palisades fire on Jan. 1, 2025, the defense team has moved to call a former Cal Fire arson investigator to testify about a possible firework launch from the residence of former NBA champion Chris Bosh.
Defense’s proposed testimony
According to court filings obtained by the California Post, the defense wants retired Cal Fire investigator Michael T. Cole, who spent 18 years in the agency’s arson unit, to explain that during his 2025 investigation he observed a distinct mark and a brownish burn trail on the driveway and rear patio of the home that Bosh was renting at the time of the fire. Cole’s filing states that, based on his training and experience, those marks constitute physical evidence of a launched firework.
Prosecutors challenge the expert
Prosecutors have filed a separate motion seeking to disqualify Cole as a witness. They contend that his opinion relies solely on six drone photographs taken months after the blaze—either in February 2025 or 2026—and that he has “zero qualifications, training, or experience” to link the brown stains to fireworks. The government argues that no in‑person inspection or additional testing was performed, making the expert’s conclusions speculative.
Background on the Palisades fire case
Rinderknecht has been held in federal custody since his arrest on Oct. 7, 2025. Investigators reportedly found a lighter in his vehicle during a search on Jan. 24, 2025. His first trial in June ended in a mistrial, and the government is now seeking a conviction in the retrial.
The Palisades fire, dubbed the “Lachman Fire” by local media, caused extensive damage to homes and vegetation in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles County. The cause of the blaze remains a contested point, with the defense suggesting that fireworks—potentially launched from Bosh’s property—could explain the initial ignition.
Chris Bosh’s involvement
Chris Bosh, a two‑time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, was renting the property at the time of the fire. OutKick Sports reached out to Bosh’s representatives for comment but did not receive an immediate response. Bosh retired from professional basketball at age 34 due to blood‑clot complications, and his post‑NBA life has included various business and charitable endeavors.
Legal implications
If the defense succeeds in presenting Cole’s testimony, it could introduce reasonable doubt about whether Rinderknecht deliberately set the fire. Conversely, if the court excludes the expert, the prosecution will likely rely on the lighter evidence and other investigative findings to pursue a conviction.
The case underscores the challenges of proving arson intent, especially when physical evidence is limited and the passage of time complicates forensic analysis.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
