Two counts of first-degree murder filed
Prosecutors in Los Angeles have filed murder charges against Nick Reiner over the deaths of his parents, Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the 32-year-old faces two counts of first-degree murder, with a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders. If convicted, Reiner could be sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
He will be brought before a court to formally face the charges and enter a plea once he is medically cleared by prison officials, Hochman added.
Stabbing deaths in Brentwood
The Nick Reiner murder charges come two days after Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead in their home in Brentwood, California, with multiple stab wounds.
Prosecutors also filed a special allegation that Reiner used a knife, described as a “dangerous and deadly weapon”. Hochman said no decision has yet been made on whether the prosecution will seek the death penalty.
An arraignment hearing initially expected on Tuesday was later postponed and will be scheduled for a later date.
Investigation continues
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell described the case as “heartbreaking and deeply personal”, extending condolences to the Reiner family and the wider community.
Autopsies are still to be completed and will determine the precise cause, manner and time of death. Officials said details regarding the recovery of the murder weapon would be presented in court.
Tributes to Rob and Michele Reiner
Rob Reiner directed a number of acclaimed films, including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men.
Michele Singer Reiner was an actress, photographer and producer, and the founder of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company.
Tributes have poured in from across the film industry. In a joint statement shared with the Associated Press, figures including Billy Crystal, Larry David, Martin Short and Albert Brooks described the couple as “a special force together – dynamic, unselfish and inspiring”.
The statement praised Rob Reiner’s range as a filmmaker and highlighted the couple’s commitment to civic causes, concluding: “They were our friends, and we will miss them forever.”
Source: BBC News
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