Nick Reiner could face the death penalty if he’s found guilty of murdering his parents, it’s been revealed.
The 32-year-old son of Hollywood actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder following the shocking deaths that occurred on Sunday, December 14.
We reported earlier this week how the bodies of Rob and Michele were found at their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Both had lacerations consistent with a knife.
A spokesperson for the Reiner family confirmed their deaths on Sunday evening.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Nick, the couple’s oldest son, was arrested that same day and booked into jail on suspicion of murder.
The 32-year-old is alleged to have been seen in a heated argument with his father at Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party on Saturday, December 13. “Nick was freaking everyone out, acting crazy, kept asking people if they were famous,” one source shared with TMZ.
TMZ also say that Michele had recently expressed to friends that she and her husband didn’t know where to turn regarding Nick’s mental illness and alleged substance abuse issues.
Nick has previously spoken out about his addiction and homelessness. He told the media in 2016 how he had been in and out of rehab since he was 15 years old. As his addiction got worse, he spent more and more time away from his family, living on the streets in various states.
Following his arrest, Nick was initially held on a $4,000,000 bond, but this was later updated to detain him in custody without bail as he awaits his day in court. Los Angeles prosecutors have since stated that he may face the death penalty if found guilty of the two murders.
District attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement: “Rob Reiner was a brilliant actor and director, an iconic force in our entertainment industry for decades. His wife, Michele Singer Reiner, was an equally iconic photographer and producer.
“Their loss is beyond tragic. We will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice.”
Hochman said the charges brought against Nick carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty.
He added that ‘no decision’ has been made over the death penalty yet.
Authorities revealed that Nick did not resist arrest after being located and detained several hours after his parents’ murder. He was due to make his first court appearance on December 16, but his attorney said he was not taken to the courthouse from the jail for medical reasons.
Rest in peace, Rob and Michele.
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