$2.5B Fire Relief: Where Did the Money Go? + New Questions in Palisades Arson Case

$2.5B Fire Relief: Where Did the Money Go? + New Questions in Palisades Arson Case

First, an NBC4 investigation into California’s $2.5 billion wildfire relief package announced after the January 2025 fires. Records show only a portion of the fund has been spent — with much of the money routed through state agencies, and significant amounts still untouched more than a year later. We examine where the money went, why fire victims say they haven’t seen more direct aid, and new questions about how the funding was structured and managed. Then, new developments ahead of the federal arson trial tied to the Palisades Fire. Pretrial hearings are raising legal questions about how prosecutors plan to present evidence — including disputes over what jurors will be asked to consider when deciding guilt across multiple charges. The judge has signaled concern that the case presentation could create confusion about key legal issues.   Thanks for listening to The Leonard Files – Stay with us as we uncover the investigations from some of LA’s most challenging and intriguing moments. Subscribe now so you don’t miss the next episode of The Leonard Files. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Criminal Charges Considered in Deadly Sheriff’s Grenade Explosion | LAPD Gang Unit Under Scrutiny

Prosecutors are weighing possible charges in the sheriff’s grenade explosion that killed three deputies—but time may have run out. We break down new investigative findings, the statute‑of‑limitations problem, and a separate LAPD gang unit misconduct case involving body‑camera violations.   Thanks for listening to The Leonard Files – Stay with us as we uncover the investigations from some of LA’s most challenging and intriguing moments. Subscribe now so you don’t miss the next episode of The Leonard Files. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chainsaws, Court Delays & Trial Memos: Inside 3 Major L.A. Criminal Cases

In this episode of The Leonard Files we break down a busy week in court with new filings, delays, and revelations in three major Southern California criminal cases. Celeste Rivas Hernandez: defense lawyers for the singer knowns as D4vd (David A. Burke) asked to delay proceedings, as they review 'terabytes' of potential evidence in advance of a preliminary hearing. Jonathan Rinderknecht: federal prosecutors lay out what they plan to present to jurors in the upcoming trial of the man accused of igniting the Palisades wildfires in 2025, including -- how the Feds plan to invoke another notable prosecution as a motive in this case. Rob and Michele Reiner: a major delay in the murder case against their son Nick Reiner, who faces charges for allegedly killing his parents inside their home. We discuss why high-profile cases often face long delays, and what pre-trial memos can reveal about prosecution strategies. ⚠️ Content warning: This episode includes discussion of alleged crimes involving violence and the death of a minor.   Thanks for listening to The Leonard Files – Stay with us as we uncover the investigations from some of LA’s most challenging and intriguing moments. Subscribe now so you don’t miss the next episode of The Leonard Files. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inside the Arrest of Singer David Burke: New Charges, Autopsy Details, and What Police Didn’t Say

Everything we know about the arrest of singer D4vd, also known as David A. Burke, now charged in the killing of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, after her remains were found inside Burke’s Tesla. Burke has pleaded not guilty, and his defense lawyers are pushing for a speedy preliminary hearing, where the public might get its first look at the evidence in the case.   Thanks for listening to The Leonard Files – Stay with us as we uncover the investigations from some of LA’s most challenging and intriguing moments. Subscribe now so you don’t miss the next episode of The Leonard Files. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Close Call in the Skies, a Missing Grenade, and Millions in Medicare Fraud

Federal aviation officials imposed new helicopter restrictions after last year’s disastrous collision between an airliner and a military helicopter in Washington, D.C. The announcement mentioned a recent ‘conflict’ between a plane and helicopter near Hollywood Burbank Airport — an incident that turns out to involve NewsChopper4. Plus, new developments in the deadly LA County Sheriff’s bomb squad explosion, including the mystery of a missing grenade, and why federal prosecutors say millions were stolen in while massive hospice care fraud schemes went undetected for years.   Thanks for listening to The Leonard Files – Stay with us as we uncover the investigations from some of LA’s most challenging and intriguing moments. Subscribe now so you don’t miss the next episode of The Leonard Files. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.