Los Angeles prosecutors will file murder charges against a son of Rob and Michele Reiner, the Hollywood couple who were found dead in their home with multiple stab wounds on Sunday.
Nick Reiner, 32, faces two counts of first-degree murder and could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted. He will be brought into court to formally face the charges after he is “medically cleared” by jail officials, District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.
During a news conference Tuesday, Hochman also said no decision had yet been made on whether the death penalty will be sought.
Rob Reiner directed several 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.
His son Nick Reiner faces two counts of first-degree murder, “with the special circumstance of multiple murder,” according to Hochman. That improvement could lead to a harsher sentence if he is later convicted.
District Attorney Hochman said he is also accused of using a “dangerous and deadly weapon, a knife.”
The suspect is currently undergoing medical tests to ensure he can appear in court. He is expected to appear before a judge later Tuesday for an arraignment hearing, where he will be formally charged and may also enter a guilty or not guilty plea.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell also spoke during the press conference and described how the case has resonated throughout the city.
“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for the entire city,” he said.
“We express our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.”
During the news conference, officials declined to say how the suspect was located, attributing his arrest to “good, solid police work.”
Prosecutor Hochman added that it is too early to say whether any “mental illness” played a role in the crime and speculated that it could come up at trial.
“If there is evidence of mental illness, it will appear in court, with whatever details the defense tries to present,” he said.
