Nick Reiner, the son of acclaimed Hollywood director Rob Reiner, is set to appear in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday as legal proceedings begin in a case that has stunned the entertainment industry.
The 32-year-old faces two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, who were found dead at their Brentwood home days before Christmas. Prosecutors allege the couple, aged 79 and 70 respectively, were stabbed to death.
Nick Reiner was arrested on December 14 after police discovered the bodies at the family’s upscale residence. He is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday, a procedural hearing during which the charges will be formally read and his legal rights explained. Defendants typically enter an initial plea at this stage.
Speaking to reporters after a previous court appearance, Reiner’s attorney, Alan Jackson, urged caution in public discussion of the case.
“This is a devastating tragedy that has befallen the Reiner family,” Jackson said. “There are very, very complex and serious issues associated with this case. These need to be thoroughly, but very carefully, examined and analysed.”
If convicted, Nick Reiner could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, though California has effectively suspended executions in recent years.
Investigators say Nick Reiner, who lived in a guest property on the family estate and has a documented history of substance abuse, had attended a party hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien with his parents on Saturday, December 13. According to reports, some attendees observed erratic behaviour from him that evening.
The New York Times reported that the Reiners had plans to dine with former US president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama the following Sunday and had also scheduled an in-home massage that day. When the massage therapist received no response at the door, the couple’s daughter, Romy Reiner, was contacted.
Romy Reiner arrived at the property with a friend and discovered her father’s body, prompting an emergency call. Paramedics later confirmed that Michele Singer Reiner was also found dead on the premises.
Nick Reiner was arrested several miles from the home later that night.
Rob Reiner, the son of legendary comedian Carl Reiner, began his career as an actor before becoming one of Hollywood’s most successful directors. He first gained fame portraying Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking 1970s sitcom All in the Family, before directing a string of critically acclaimed films including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, and A Few Good Men.
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