Nick Reiner has been charged with the murders of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, following a December stabbing incident at their Brentwood home. On Wednesday, he entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of murder. These charges include special circumstances of multiple murders and murder by lying in wait, as stated by the Los Angeles County officials.
Reiner, 32, appeared in a courtroom on the 13th floor of the Criminal Courts Building in downtown Los Angeles. This session was held to address the new charges, which supersede the original murder case set for 2025. The new indictment includes a special circumstance of lying in wait, which could lead to harsher penalties during sentencing.
“This was a profound betrayal by someone who was loved and trusted by the very people he is accused of killing,” commented Nathan J. Hochman, the Los Angeles County District Attorney.
Reiner is represented by L.A. Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, who declined to comment after the arraignment. The indictment progresses the case toward a jury trial, eliminating the need for a public preliminary hearing previously scheduled for the fall.
Reiner is also accused of using a deadly weapon, a knife, in the attack. Arrested on December 15, a day after his parents were found deceased, he is currently held without bail. A court hearing is set for September 15.
If convicted, Nick Reiner might face either the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. The DA will decide on pursuing the death penalty later.
The deaths of Rob Reiner, 78, an acclaimed director known for films like “When Harry Met Sally…” and “A Few Good Men,” and Michele Reiner, 70, a photographer and producer, shocked the Hollywood community. Many industry colleagues and political figures have expressed their condolences.
Nick Reiner’s history with drug addiction is public knowledge. His struggles started in his teens, with admissions to treatment facilities, bouts of homelessness, and relapses. In September, the family attended the Los Angeles premiere of “Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues” together.
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