re: Arrest made in deadly Palisades Fire that ravaged parts of Los Angeles, UPDATED

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He's only facing 20 years for damaging property via arson. No murder charges or anything else.

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Their first challenge is going to be proving that he intentionally and maliciously started that original fire. Then, they will have to account for any shortcomings or failures that LAFD or other agencies may have had in monitoring the original fire after it was "put out". There are established procedures that guide that monitoring process. If they weren't followed, it will be a complication in the prosecution as the FD will have some shared liability.

He also, reportedly, was the person who called 911 and reported the original fire. That may complicate the malicious intent aspect. AI images on a phone ain't gonna cut it when it comes to proving his actions in court. They will need more physical evidence.

With wildfires, even the most clear cut criminal arson cases aren't slam dunks. If they overcharge now they could risk no conviction at all.