The federal arson trial for Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of starting the deadly Palisades Fire, began Monday in Los Angeles. - Rinderknecht faces charges including arson and malicious destruction, with a possible minimum five-year sentence.
- The fire killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes in Pacific Palisades and Malibu. - Prosecutors cite geolocation data and a lighter as evidence; defense argues scapegoating.
- The trial is expected to last about two weeks, with jury selection underway. The community continues to rebuild, with only 17 of over 450 construction projects certified for occupancy.