Crime House Daily: First Watch

Episode: Model’s Balcony Murder in Milan & the Man Who Set LA on Fire
Host: Katie Ring
Date: November 14, 2025

Episode Overview

This “First Watch” episode of Crime House Daily, hosted by Katie Ring, examines two headline-grabbing cases: the brutal murder of Italian model Pamela Giannini, witnessed in part by her neighbors in Milan, and the devastating LA wildfire sparked by Jonathan Rindernacht on New Year’s Eve 2024. The episode delves into details of the crimes, sheds light on the victims and alleged perpetrators, and explores the ongoing impact and investigations.

1. The Model’s Balcony Murder in Milan

Case Summary:
Pamela Giannini, a 29-year-old Italian model and entrepreneur, was stabbed to death by her 52-year-old boyfriend, Gianluca Sancini, on October 14, 2025. The attack occurred on her own apartment balcony and was partially witnessed by neighbors who could do nothing to intervene. The episode intricately covers Pamela’s life, the abusive relationship, the events leading to her death, and the unfolding investigation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Pamela's Life and Career (04:10–06:15)

  • Born in 1996 in Strozza, northern Italy.
  • Early passion for modeling and photography, supported by family.
  • Rose to fame via the reality show “The Island of Adam and Eve.”
  • Social media influencer, entrepreneur (founded a bikini company), and luxury real estate agent.
  • Lived independently in an upscale Milan penthouse, projecting a life of glamour, but "it was far from it."

• The Abusive Relationship (06:15–08:30)

  • Gianluca Sancini, wealthy and well-connected, with a shady past (financial scam arrest in 2010).
  • Pamela’s loved ones described Gianluca as “extremely jealous, controlling, and abusive."
  • Katie’s commentary:

    "From this crime and my experience in this field, he definitely fits the bill." (08:20)

• Pamela’s Plans to Leave & Red Flags (08:30–10:00)

  • Gianluca allegedly threatened Pamela and her dog, and even her mother if she ever left.
  • Katie emphasizes the dangers of leaving abusers:

    "Please, if you are planning to leave an abuser, plan ahead. Move in silence and leave without a word." (08:57)

• The Night of the Murder (10:21–13:15)

  • Pamela was on the phone with her ex-boyfriend when Gianluca broke in, using a duplicate key.
  • She texted her ex and a friend for help—her friend called the police.
  • Gianluca became violent as the police arrived.
  • Pamela tried to pretend the police were a food delivery to keep Gianluca calm, but he attacked.
  • Neighbors witnessed the assault from adjacent balconies but "stood there helpless."
  • Police entered the apartment and found Gianluca stabbing Pamela on the terrace.
  • Gianluca attempted suicide with superficial injuries and was taken into custody.

• Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation (13:15–14:50)

  • Police found multiple knives and firearms in Gianluca's home.
  • Investigators gathered evidence of ongoing abuse and stalking.
  • Gianluca charged with "murder, aggravated by stalking, premeditation, and femicide."
  • No court date set yet.
  • Katie reminds:

    "As always, we'll be sure to bring you all of the major updates." (14:45)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Patterns of Abusive Men

  "The men who complain that women are too emotional are typically the most emotional people. But they just don't understand that anger is an emotion and don't know how to process it, which usually results in violence, particularly against women."
  – Katie Ring (00:17)

• On Planning Escape from Abusers

  "Leaving is the most dangerous time for victims of domestic violence and I don't say that to discourage women from leaving. Please leave as soon as it is safe to do so... But please also have a plan."
  – Katie Ring (08:57)

Key Timestamps

• [04:10] Pamela’s early life and rise to fame.
• [06:15] Gianluca’s background and the abusive relationship.
• [08:30] Threats, escalation, and Katie's advice for abuse victims.
• [10:21] The night of the murder – detailed chronology.
• [13:15] Aftermath: investigation and charges.

2. The Man Who Set LA on Fire

Case Summary:
Jonathan Rindernacht, a 29-year-old French national residing in Los Angeles, allegedly started the Lockman Fire on New Year’s Eve 2024—a disaster that quickly escalated into the deadly Palisades Fire, killing 12 people and destroying thousands of structures. The episode examines Jonathan’s personal decline, his actions, and the complicated investigation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Jonathan’s Background (14:55–16:35)

  • Grew up in France, traveled extensively; settled temporarily in LA after moving in with a partner in 2020.
  • After a breakup in 2023, suffered increasing loneliness and emotional decline.
  • Obsessively listened to a French rap song about despair and arson imagery, fueling dark thoughts.

• Setting the Lockman Fire (16:35–21:00)

  • On Dec 31, 2024, while doing gig work, he returned to his old LA neighborhood.
  • Went to Skull Rock trailhead, listened to music, and started a fire with a lighter.
  • Attempted to call 911 several times without success; when he finally got through, first responders were already on their way.
  • Odd behavior: doubled back to the fire scene, filmed the aftermath, and offered firefighters help before leaving.

• The Palisades Fire’s Unfolding Catastrophe (21:00–23:40)

  • Initial fire thought to be extinguished, but "zombie fire" (smoldering embers underground) reignited a week later due to hurricane-level winds.
  • Blaze spread rapidly:
    • 12 fatalities
    • 23,000 acres burned
    • 7,000 structures lost
    • $150 billion in damages

    "Many were left without a roof over their heads… People were lucky if they even saved their pets." (22:35)

• Investigation & Arrest (23:40–27:40)

  • Authorities used environmental sensors, 911 call data, and geolocation records, identifying Jonathan as the only person present at the fire’s start.
  • Investigators found disturbing chat logs and AI-generated art depicting fire and social chaos.
  • Evidence of prior arson fantasies, including a ChatGPT painting and confessions of burning a bible (seen as "liberating").
  • Jonathan fled to Florida, arrested in October 2025 after months on the run.
  • Bail denied due to mental health concerns; charged federally with arson and destruction of property.
  • Faces 5–45 years if convicted; trial scheduled for December 16, 2025.

• Ongoing Impact

  • Devastation continues for survivors as they await justice.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Fire’s Out-of-Control Spread

  "Something known as a zombie fire or holdover fire was building. The embers… smoldered unnoticed for days until a week later…hurricane level winds hit Los Angeles… pulling them to the surface and setting them on fire."
  – Katie Ring (21:22)

• On Jonathan’s Mental State and Crimes

  "Prosecutors argued Jonathan is dangerous, had mental health issues and violent tendencies… becoming more erratic."
  – Katie Ring (25:45)

Key Timestamps

• [14:55] Jonathan’s background and psychological deterioration.
• [16:35] Details of Lockman Fire ignition.
• [21:00] “Zombie fire” triggers the Palisades Fire disaster.
• [23:40] Investigation details, digital evidence, and psychological profile.
• [25:45] Arrest, detention, and legal proceedings.
• [27:40] Charges, trial date, ongoing impact on community.

Memorable Moments & Standout Commentary

• Katie on Gendered Violence:
  “Anger is an emotion and don't know how to process it, which usually results in violence, particularly against women.” (00:17)
• Direct Advice to Abuse Victims:
  “If you have ever been scared around him, do not tell him you are leaving in person. Leaving is the most dangerous time for victims of domestic violence…” (08:57)
• Empathy Towards Fire Victims:
  “People were lucky if they even saved their pets. …an entire city waits to see if they'll get answers and hopefully, justice.” (23:15, 28:15)

Episode Tone & Language

Katie Ring maintains a blend of compassion, factual reporting, and practical advocacy throughout the episode. She speaks candidly about the emotional realities behind headlines and acknowledges her own experience as a self-defense instructor and victims’ advocate, particularly in offering safety advice to listeners.

Summary Table of Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Summary | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:17 | Opening commentary on gendered violence | Context for both cases discussed | | 04:10 | Pamela Giannini: life and rise to fame | Her modeling, business ventures, persona | | 06:15 | Abusive relationship profile | Gianluca’s background, abusive patterns | | 10:21 | Details surrounding Pamela’s murder | Sequence of events, police, aftermath | | 13:15 | Charges and investigation (Italy) | Key evidence, legal context, femicide charge | | 14:55 | Jonathan Rindernacht: background and descent | Emotional instability, inspirations for fire | | 16:35 | Lockman Fire lighting and cover-up | Actions, attempts to alert police, aftermath | | 21:00 | Palisades Fire breaks out | Scale of disaster, community loss | | 23:40 | Investigation, digital evidence | AI art, arson fantasies, suspect ID | | 25:45 | Arrest and legal actions (USA) | Bail denied, mental health, charges | | 27:40 | Trial date set, ongoing impact | Legal prospects, societal trauma |

Final Thoughts

These two cases highlight the intersection of personal violence and large-scale tragedy, driven by complex emotional and psychological undercurrents. Katie Ring’s careful, empathetic reporting, combined with advocacy and real-world advice, offers listeners a full picture—of the facts, the fallout, and the ongoing journey for justice.

Listen for Updates

Stay tuned to Crime House Daily for continuing coverage and real-time updates on these and other major true crime stories. For video and more, follow their YouTube and social media channels.