Nick Reiner made his first appearance in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday morning, three days after allegedly killing his parents—beloved Hollywood figures Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner—inside their Brentwood home.
Flanked by his attorney Alan Jackson and two other lawyers, the 32-year-old was barely visible from the courtroom gallery during the brief hearing. He wore a blue suicide prevention smock, frequently given to defendants who pose a risk of self-harm.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Nick Reiner was charged Tuesday with two counts of murder and could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said no decision has been made on seeking capital punishment in the Reiners' slayings, as such reviews normally take months.
A judge approved Jackson's request Wednesday to continue Reiner's arraignment to January 7. He did not enter a plea and will remain in the Los Angeles County jail without bail.
The Victims and Discovery
Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead of stab wounds in the master bedroom of their Brentwood home around 3:40 p.m. Sunday, authorities said. The couple was discovered by their daughter, who arrived after a massage therapist called to say her parents weren't answering the gate.
Rob Reiner, 78, was a beloved director and comedic actor known for iconic films including "When Harry Met Sally," "Stand By Me," and the mockumentary "This Is Spinal Tap". He also had a multi-episode guest role in the most recent season of "The Bear".
Family Background and Suspect's History
Nick was the middle child of the couple, and his struggles with addiction were long documented. This tragic case echoes a deadly domestic violence incident in Florida that similarly shocked a community earlier this year.
Father and son had worked together on a semi-autobiographical film about the situation titled "Being Charlie". Nick first entered drug treatment at about age 15, and his life subsequently veered between rehab and homelessness, sobriety efforts and relapse.
Events Leading to Arrest
Authorities have not provided details about a possible motive. But family friends told The Times that Rob and Nick Reiner got into an argument at a holiday party at talk show host Conan O'Brien's home Saturday evening.
About six hours after the bodies were discovered, Los Angeles police officers arrested Nick Reiner in Exposition Park near the USC campus. He was taken into custody without incident.
Nick, who lived in his parents' guesthouse, checked into the Pierside Santa Monica hotel Sunday after the killings, according to a law enforcement source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
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