Nick reiner, son of celebrated director Rob Reiner and producer Michele Reiner, has been charged with the first-degree murders of both his parents, found deceased at thier Los Angeles home Sunday. Los Angeles County prosecutors announced Tuesday that Nick Reiner faces multiple counts of murder with special circumstances, making him eligible for the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. The case has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and prompted a suicide watch for the accused,who was taken into custody without incident and remains held without bail.
Nick Reiner, son of acclaimed actor and director Rob Reiner and photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner, is facing aggravated murder charges in connection with his parents’ deaths, potentially carrying a sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges Tuesday.
Hochman stated that his office will be pursuing two counts of first-degree murder against Nick Reiner, with a special circumstance of multiple victims.
The prosecutor also noted that, in addition to the murder charges, Reiner is accused of personally using a deadly weapon – a knife – in the commission of the crimes, adding that the charges could result in “life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.”
“At this time, no decision has been made regarding the death penalty we have sought, and currently, Nick Reiner is being held without bail,” Hochman added.
Hochman also indicated that the family’s wishes will be considered when determining sentencing, a standard practice in cases of this nature.
The Arrest of the Reiner’s Son
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner is now working to determine the time of death. Police have declined to speculate on the manner of death.
The prosecutor emphasized that the charges against Reiner are not proof of guilt and that evidence will be presented to a grand jury for approval.
The couple’s middle child was arrested Sunday night without incident: “There was no indication that he was going to resist or require any assistance. He did not attempt to flee or anything of that nature,” explained Alan Hamilton, a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) assistant chief.
The charges against Nick Reiner will be formally filed later today, Hochman said, and once medically cleared, the accused will appear in court to be arraigned and enter a plea.
Director and actor Rob Reiner, 78, known for his work on films like When Harry Met Sally and his role in The Wolf of Wall Street, was found dead Sunday at his Los Angeles home alongside his wife, producer and photographer Michele Reiner, 70. The tragic news has sent shockwaves through Hollywood.
Held Without Bail and Under Suicide Watch
The Reiners were discovered by one of their daughters, who then contacted authorities.
During the press conference, LAPD Assistant Chief Alan Hamilton explained that the police department was alerted to the situation through a request from the city’s Fire Department, which was the first to respond to the scene.
Nick Reiner, who lived in a guest house on the property, was subsequently taken into custody. He has a long history of struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
Reiner is currently being held without bail at the Twin Towers jail and is considered at risk of suicide, prompting special monitoring, according to a police source cited by the Los Angeles Times.
