A grand jury in Los Angeles County has charged Nick Reiner with murder in connection to the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. The indictment also accuses him of lying in wait before the attack. The grand jury issued the indictment on July 20, and it was made public on Wednesday when Nick Reiner, aged 32, entered a plea of not guilty.
Rob Reiner, a well-known director and actor, and his wife, photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner, were fatally stabbed in their Brentwood home on December 14. Nick Reiner was swiftly arrested and formally charged two days later.
The indictment marks a significant progression towards trial, enabling prosecutors to bypass the preliminary hearing stage in California. The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, described the incident as a deep betrayal by someone who was close to the victims.
The newly unsealed indictment did not provide many additional details regarding the case, but the lying in wait accusation makes Reiner eligible for the death penalty, although prosecutors have not yet determined whether they will pursue it. The indictment mentions the use of a knife in the killings but does not elaborate on the circumstances of the lying in wait.
Key questions surrounding the motive for the killings remain unanswered, with little information leaked to the public domain. The chief medical examiner expressed a desire to release the autopsy reports, but a court order has prevented this action.
In a separate legal matter, Reiner is seeking access to funds from a trust established by his parents for his defense. Despite the trustees allegedly withholding the funds without justification, the legal filings state that the money was intended for Nick Reiner even if his parents were alive. The trust reportedly holds assets of at least $1.5 million US.
Nick Reiner aims to rehire his former high-profile defense attorney, Alan Jackson, to represent him in the case. A hearing regarding this request is scheduled for the following week.
The L.A. County Public Defender’s Office, representing Reiner, declined to comment on the indictment. In California, prosecutors can choose between a public preliminary hearing or a secret grand jury indictment process, with the latter being pursued in this case.
Rob Reiner, known for his acting roles and directing career, was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. He and Michele Singer Reiner were married for 36 years and had three children, including Nick, who collaborated with his father on the screenplay for the film “Being Charlie” based on his personal struggles. His older brother, Jake Reiner, described the tragic loss of their parents and the involvement of Nick as an incomprehensible nightmare.