LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rob Reiner son Nick Rayner He is expected to make his first appearance in court Wednesday on two counts of first-degree murder in the killings of his parents.
Nick Reiner, 32, was charged Tuesday with the murders of 78-year-old actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife. Michelle Singer RainerLos Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said this at a press conference with Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell.
“Their loss is beyond tragic, and we will be committed to bringing their killer to justice,” Hochman said.
In addition to the two counts of first-degree murder, prosecutors added special circumstances to multiple murders and a special allegation that the defendant used a dangerous weapon, a knife. Additions could mean harsher penalties.
Hochman said his office has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty in the case.
“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for our entire city,” McDonnell said.
The announcement came two days after a couple was found dead of stab wounds at their home in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood of West Los Angeles. Nick Reiner offered no resistance when he was arrested hours later in the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California, about 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) from the crime scene, police said.
Rob Reiner was the star of the Emmy Award-winning sitcom All in the Family and went on to direct films such as When Harry Met Sally… and The Princess Bride. He was an outspoken liberal activist for decades. Michelle Singer Reiner was a photographer, film producer, and LGBTQ+ rights advocate. They were married for 36 years.
Some of those closest to them, including actors Billy Crystal, Albert Brooks, Martin Short and Larry David, published a statement mourning and celebrating the couple Tuesday evening.
“Together they were a special force – dynamic, selfless and inspiring,” the statement said. “We were their friends and we will miss them forever.”
Nick Rayner was scheduled to make his first court appearance earlier Tuesday, but his lawyer Alan Jackson said he was not transported from jail to the courthouse for medical reasons and the appearance was postponed.
At Wednesday's hearing, Reiner could enter a guilty plea, the judge could push the arraignment to a later date, or the same issue that prevented him from appearing in court Tuesday could lead to a further delay. He is being held without bail.
Jackson is a prominent attorney and former Los Angeles County prosecutor who represented Harvey Weinstein at his trial in Los Angeles and Karen Reid she was closely followed in the Massachusetts trials. He was a central figure in an HBO documentary about Reed's case.
On the other side will be Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian, whose recent cases have included Menendez brothers attempt to review the sentence and trial Robert Durst.
Authorities have said nothing about a motive. murders and did not reveal details when asked at a press conference.
