On Tuesday, Nick Reiner faced charges in connection with the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner, a renowned 78-year-old actor and director, and Michele Singer Reiner.
The 32-year-old appeared in court from behind a glass barrier in the custody area, clad in shackles and a jail-issued suicide prevention smock. During his appearance, he did not submit a plea.
At the request of his attorney, Reiner’s arraignment was rescheduled for January 7. His only words in court were “yes, your honor,” confirming the new date.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman formally announced the charges during a press conference alongside LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Hochman stated, “Their loss is beyond tragic, and we are dedicated to ensuring justice is served for their murder.”
In addition to two counts of first-degree murder, prosecutors have included special circumstances due to the multiple murders and alleged use of a dangerous weapon, a knife. These enhancements could result in a harsher sentence if Reiner is convicted.
Along with the two counts of first-degree murder, prosecutors added special circumstances of multiple murders and a special allegation that the defendant used a dangerous weapon, a knife. The additions could mean a greater sentence.
Hochman said his office has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty in the case.
“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones but for our entire city,” McDonnell said.
The announcement came two days after the couple was found dead from apparent stab wounds in their home in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles. Nick Reiner did not resist when he was arrested hours later in the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California, about 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) from the crime scene, police said.
Rob Reiner was the Emmy-winning star of the sitcom “All in the Family” who went on to direct films including “When Harry Met Sally…” and “The Princess Bride.” He was an outspoken liberal activist for decades. Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer, movie producer and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. They had been married for 36 years.
Several of those closest to them, including actors Billy Crystal, Albert Brooks, Martin Short and Larry David, released a statement mourning and celebrating the couple on Tuesday night.
“They were a special force together — dynamic, unselfish and inspiring,” the statement said. “We were their friends, and we will miss them forever.”
Nick Reiner had been scheduled to make an initial court appearance earlier Tuesday, but his attorney Alan Jackson said he was not brought from the jail to the courthouse for medical reasons and the appearance was postponed.
At Wednesday’s hearing, Reiner may enter a plea, a judge may schedule an arraignment for later or the same issue that prevented him from coming to court Tuesday could cause further postponement. He is being held without bail.
Jackson is a high-profile defense attorney and former LA County prosecutor who represented Harvey Weinstein at his Los Angeles trial and Karen Read at her intensely followed trials in Massachusetts. He was a central figure in the HBO documentary on the Read case.
On the other side will be Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian, whose recent cases included the Menendez brothers’ attempt at resentencing and the trial of Robert Durst.
Authorities haven’t said anything about a motive for the killings and would give few details when asked at the news conference.
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