Nick Reiner, 32, was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the brutal slaying of his parents, acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner.
Los Angeles officials gave an update Tuesday afternoon on the investigation, announcing as the press conference began, “charges are being filed as we speak.”
L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman spoke first, laying out some of the details of the charges filed against the couple’s embattled son, Nick Reiner, 32.
Reiner was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with special circumstances attached because there were multiple murders and because he allegedly attacked with a deadly weapon — a knife. The maximum sentence, should Reiner be convicted on those charges, is life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty — but Hochman said that no decision had yet been made with regard to whether or not his office would pursue the death penalty.
For the time being, he said that his office had requested that Nick Reiner be held without bail.
“Charges are not evidence,” Hochman cautioned then, reminding the public that Reiner had to be allowed his day in court and that prosecutors would be held to the long-enduring “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard when they presented their case to 12 jurors.
Christmas Sale – Get 40% off New DailyWire+ Annual Memberships
Reiner, he said, was still going through the standard medical clearances necessary to be brought to court, where he would be arraigned and enter a plea.
Hochman also reminded the public that “cases involving family members are some of the most heart-wrenching cases” because of how brutal they can be. Noting that the Reiners were “icons” — both locally and nationally — he added, “Their loss is beyond tragic. We will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice.”
“Please do not rely on rank speculation, rumor, or hearsay to believe that you know anything about this case,” Hochman said, reminding the public to make sure that they get their information from “trusted sources” and wait for the evidence to be presented in court.
“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but to our entire city,” Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said.
An autopsy of the Reiners is still pending, and McDonnell noted that as far as an official time of death was concerned, “We don’t have specificity yet, we’re waiting on the coroner to determine as best they can.”
Several reporters were given the opportunity to ask questions as the briefing wrapped up, but most of them could not yet be answered because officials were not willing to undercut an ongoing investigation.
.png)
.png)
