Nick Reiner, accused of murdering his renowned film director father Rob Reiner and mother Michele Singer Reiner, will be arraigned on January 7. The 32-year-old appeared in court Wednesday wearing a blue vest and spoke only to confirm «Yes your honour», according to US publications.
His lawyer, Alan Jackson, stated outside the courthouse: «There are very, very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case.» He added: «We are set for January 7 for an arraignment. That's the next court date, and that's all I have to say at this point.»
Nick Reiner faces two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances of multiple murders and use of a dangerous weapon - a knife. If convicted, he could face life in prison without possibility of parole or the death penalty. He is being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility.
Discovery and Arrest
Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead from apparent stab wounds at their $13.5 million Brentwood mansion on Sunday, December 14. Their daughter Romy Reiner, 28, discovered her father's body after a massage therapist called her when unable to enter the home around 2pm.
Emergency services arrived at approximately 3:30pm. Sources told the Daily Mail the couple were found in bed with their throats cut and may have been asleep when murdered. Rigor mortis indicated they had been dead for hours.
Nick Reiner was arrested around 9:15pm Sunday near an LA subway station in Exposition Park, approximately 15 miles from his parents' home. Surveillance footage released by authorities showed him walking near a crosswalk surrounded by police vehicles.
Events Before the Murders
On Saturday night, Nick Reiner attended a Christmas party at Conan O'Brien's home with his parents. According to The Wall Street Journal, he asked guests: «What's your name? What's your last name? Are you famous?» He reportedly interrupted comedian Bill Hader «in the middle of a private conversation». An insider told NBC News: «Nick just stood there and stared before storming off.»
Around 4am Sunday morning, Nick Reiner checked into the Pierside Santa Monica hotel using his credit card. Hotel staff later discovered a shower «full of blood» and blood «splatters across the bed» in his room, according to sources who spoke to the Daily Mail. Detectives collected evidence from room 207 on Monday.
Background
Nick Reiner had lived in his parents' guesthouse and struggled with drug addiction and mental health issues for years. He told People magazine he had been to rehab 17 times by age 22. He co-wrote the film "Being Charlie," which his father directed and which drew on Nick's experiences with addiction.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges Tuesday, stating: «charges are not evidence». He added that «evidence is something we will be presenting in a court of law to meet the standard of proof we meet at every criminal case, which is beyond a reasonable doubt».
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell described the case as «heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for our entire city».
Rob Reiner was known for iconic films including "This Is Spinal Tap," "When Harry Met Sally," "A Few Good Men," and "The Princess Bride."
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
