Nick Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his parents: acclaimed Hollywood director Rob Reiner, 78, and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, 70.
At a Tuesday press conference, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman called the case “challenging and heart-wrenching” because it involves alleged violence within a family. He described the deaths as “shocking and tragic,” adding that prosecutors intend to seek “justice and accountability for the lives that were taken.”
Prosecutors said Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park hours after the couple’s bodies were discovered at their Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon. Authorities allege he used a knife, and the complaint includes a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders, along with an allegation that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon.
If convicted, Reiner could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty. Hochman said a decision has not yet been made on whether prosecutors will pursue the death penalty.
Reiner was booked on suspicion of murder on Monday and remains jailed without bail. An arraignment will be scheduled at a later date.
Rob Reiner was widely known for his work as an actor and director, including This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally…, and The Princess Bride. Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer and producer whose creative partnership, friends and colleagues have said, helped shape her husband’s work over the years.
Nick Reiner has previously spoken publicly about struggles with addiction and homelessness. He also co-wrote Being Charlie with his father, a project loosely inspired by his early life.
Investigators are also looking at events in the hours leading up to the deaths. Witnesses told authorities that Rob and Nick Reiner argued at a holiday party the night before the killings.
