Nick Reiner appears in court accused of murdering his parents

Nick Reiner, son of famous Hollywood director Rob Reiner, appeared in court for the first time accused of murdering his parents.

The 32-year-old waived his right to plead guilty to two counts of first-degree murder at the hearing, as all sides agreed to delay his arraignment until Jan. 7, when he will once again have the opportunity to plead guilty.

His lawyer, Alan Jackson, told reporters outside court that there were “complex and serious issues” in the case that needed to be resolved in the coming weeks.

Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on Sunday. Nick Reiner was charged with murder on Tuesday.

Appearing in court in downtown Los Angeles, Reiner simply said “yes, your honor” when Judge Theresa McGonigle asked him if he understood he had the right to a speedy trial.

The judge earlier ordered media gathered outside the courthouse hours before the hearing not to film the defendant, who was wearing what appeared to be a suicide prevention vest.

Media inside the courtroom were unable to see Mr. Reiner during the brief hearing because he was sitting in a corner out of sight.

He was initially scheduled to appear in court Tuesday but had not been medically cleared to do so, his attorney and prosecutors said.

“We ask that during this process the system be allowed to move forward in the manner it was designed to move forward,” Reiner’s attorney, Alan Jackson, told reporters.

“Not in a hurry to judge, without jumping to conclusions, but with moderation and with dignity, and with the respect that this system and this process deserve, and that the family deserves,” he said.

The delay in Reiner pleading guilty could be aimed at allowing time for a psychiatric evaluation, a criminal defense lawyer told the BBC after the hearing.

“The psychiatric evaluation is usually done prior to arraignment to see if you are fit to stand trial,” Seth Zuckerman said.

Until his next hearing on January 7, Reiner will remain in custody at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.

If he pleads innocent, he could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors have said no decision has yet been made on whether the death penalty will be carried out.

Rob Reiner directed a handful of iconic films in a variety of genres, including This is Spinal Tap, Misery, and A Few Good Men.

Michele Singer Reiner was an actress, photographer and producer, and founder of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company.

“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for the entire city,” Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said Tuesday.

With additional reporting by Sakshi Venkatraman