Judge detains suspect in deadly Palisades fire

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, was arrested in Florida and ordered held after prosecutors alleged he maliciously set the wind-driven Palisades fire that destroyed thousands of homes and killed 12 people. Agents say he stayed near the Jan. 1 blaze, repeatedly called 911 and offered to help firefighters. In court, they cited recent incidents in Florida, including a threat to burn a house and a hidden gun. A phone search found a generated image of a burning city and queries about cigarette-caused fires. He faces a federal fire-destruction charge; no motive disclosed. Hearing resumes Oct. 17.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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