Prosecutors in Los Angeles have charged Nick Reiner, the son of acclaimed Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, with murder in connection with his parents’ deaths.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that Nick Reiner is facing two counts of first-degree murder, along with a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders. If convicted, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
The charges were filed two days after Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their Brentwood, California home. Authorities said both victims suffered multiple stab wounds.
Hochman said the charges also include a special allegation that a knife was used in the killings. However, he added that prosecutors have not yet decided whether they will seek the death penalty in the case.
Nick Reiner, 32, will be brought to court to formally face the charges and enter a plea once he is medically cleared by prison officials. He was initially expected to appear in court on Tuesday for an arraignment hearing, but prosecutors later said the hearing would be scheduled for a later date.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell described the case as deeply tragic. He said the incident was heartbreaking not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but also for the entire city, and offered condolences to everyone affected.
When asked whether the alleged murder weapon had been recovered, Hochman said those details would be addressed in court. Officials also said autopsies are still pending and will determine the exact cause, manner and time of death.
Rob Reiner is a celebrated filmmaker known for directing iconic films such as This Is Spinal Tap, Misery and A Few Good Men. His wife, Michele Singer Reiner, was an actress, photographer and producer, and the founder of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company.