Rob and Michele Reiner’s son Nick Reiner is set to be charged with double homicide in the tragic death of his parents and could face the death penalty.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced the charges on Tuesday, December 16, according to reports. Nick Reiner was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning but had not been “medically cleared” to do so, his attorney Alan Jackson told reporters, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“These charges will be two counts of first degree murder with a special circumstance of multiple murders,” Hochman said. “He also faces a special allegation that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon, that being a knife. These charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.”
He said no decision had been made about whether the death penalty would be pursued.
Nick Is Being Held Without Bail
In addition, Nick faces a special allegation of using “a dangerous and deadly weapon — that being a knife,” Hochman specified.
He is currently being held without bail.
Hochman added that Nick will be later brought to court. “Once the charges get filed this afternoon, Nick Reiner will be then brought to court. He is going through medical clearance,” he added, saying that’s a normal part of the process for anyone held in an LA County jail.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell also commented on the tragic situation.
“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for our entire city,” McDonnell said. “We extend our deepest condolences to all of those who are affected by this tragedy.”
Hochman shared a similar sentiment as McDonnell.
“Prosecuting these cases involving family members are some of the most challenging and heart-wrenching cases that this office faces because of the intimate and often brutal nature of the crimes involved,” Hochman said.
Nick Was Arrested on Sunday
Rob and Michele Reiner were found killed in their Los Angeles, California, home on Sunday. They were tragically found by their daughter Romy.
Nick Reiner’s attorney, Alan Jackson, was seen visiting the crime scene on Tuesday, according to TMZ.
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton gave more information about Nick’s arrest that occurred late Sunday night, TMZ reported.
“He was arrested in a public area in the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California campus,” Hamilton said. “He was approached by the officers, and he was arrested without incident. There was no indication that he was going to resist or anything like that. He didn’t flee or anything like that. He was taken into custody without issue and he was transported to our police, actually.”
