Nick Reiner, the son of Rob and Michele Reiner, appeared in court for his arraignment on Monday, Feb. 23, with the first photos being shared from court.
Nick had a shaved head and wore a brown prison-issued jumpsuit, while also having shackles on his wrists.
Nick ultimately pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and was denied bail.
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Getty
More Details Emerge Regarding Nick Reiner’s Arraignment
According to The New York Times, Nick’s arraignment on Monday “took only minutes,” with the outlet adding that it’s “not uncommon for lawyers to enter a not guilty plea initially only to modify it later.” With that, the thought is that his lawyers could change the plea to not guilty by reason of insanity.
Nick simply said “yes,” when asked by the judge if he waived his right to a speedy trial. The judge then set April 29 as the day when lawyers will try to set a preliminary hearing, but according to The New York Times, “prosecutors warned it could take additional time because lawyers must sift through evidence and wait for more information, such as a report from the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner.”
Nick’s attorney, Kimberly Greene, did not address the media after court, but Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman told reporters that “the case is on track.” He opted not to take any questions.
Prosecutors Haven’t ‘Decided If They Will Seek Capital Punishment’
GettyHochman also addressed the possibility that prosecutors could pursue the death penalty in this case when speaking with reporters outside the courthouse.
“We take the process in which we determine whether or not the death penalty should be sought extremely seriously, and it goes through a very rigorous process,” he said. “We will be looking at all aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and we have invited defense counsel to present to us, both in writing and orally in a meeting, any arguments that they would like to make in consideration for our going forward or not going forward with the death penalty.”
