Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing Charged in 2018 California Wildfire Arson

The fire, which began on January 7, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas, resulted in 12 deaths and ranks among California's most destructive wildfires. According to the filings, Rinderknecht started an initial blaze on January 1, 2025, that burned undetected before flaring up a week later.

Rinderknecht, 29, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Witnesses described him driving erratically as an Uber driver on New Year's Eve, ranting to passengers about being angry at the world. The court memo states he referenced Mangione's alleged crime, capitalism, and vigilantism during these outbursts.

In a January 24, 2025, interview with investigators, Rinderknecht reportedly said arson in the Palisades might stem from resentment of the rich enjoying their money while others are enslaved by them, again citing Mangione. Prosecutors also noted he was distraught over a failed relationship and lack of New Year's Eve plans.

These details emerged in an April 29 pretrial memo from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Rinderknecht's attorney, Steve Haney, stated that his client maintains innocence and looks forward to clearing his name at trial, set for June 8. Haney described the alleged motive—starting a fire due to not having a date—as speaking for itself. In March, Haney held a news conference calling for Rinderknecht's release, citing evidence that the Los Angeles Fire Department failed to fully extinguish the initial blaze.

" — Steve Haney, attorney for Jonathan Rinderknecht (CBS News). The defense pointed to a deposition from a firefighter who noticed the ground still smoldering on January 2, 2025, and alerted a supervisor about hot spots. This testimony came from a lawsuit filed by fire victims against the city.