Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of murder in the killings of his parents, Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, whose bodies were found Sunday inside their home in Los Angeles’ Brentwood community.
Defense Attorney Steps In
Alan Jackson confirmed Tuesday that he has been retained as Reiner’s defense counsel. Jackson, who has represented high-profile clients such as Karen Read-acquitted earlier this year in the death of her Boston police boyfriend-spoke with reporters outside the Los Angeles courthouse about when Reiner is expected to appear before a judge.
Arrest and Charges
Reiner remained in jail without bail ahead of a possible court appearance later that Tuesday. Prosecutors announced early Tuesday afternoon that they will file first-degree murder charges against him.
Court Proceedings and Medical Clearance
Jackson said Reiner still needs medical clearance before he can go to court, calling the matter a procedural issue. The sheriff’s department requires medical screenings for court remands and new bookings. Jackson expressed hope that his client will be cleared to appear later this week.
Family Background and Past Struggles
Reiner is the second of the couple’s three children. Sources told NBC News that he was disruptive at the party. A source close to Reiner confirmed that he and his wife had apparent stab wounds, though the medical examiner has not yet provided details about an official cause of death. The family’s challenges with Reiner were well-documented, including battles with drug addiction.
In 2015, Rob and Nick worked on a coming-of-age film called “Being Charlie.” Directed by Rob and co-written by Nick, the film explored the father-son relationship. In a 2016 interview with the Associated Press, Rob said, “It forced us to understand ourselves better than we had,” and added, “I told Nick while we were making it, I said, ‘You know it doesn’t matter, whatever happens to this thing, we won already. This has already been good.’ We’ve worked through a lot of stuff.”
In September, the family appeared together at the Los Angeles premiere of “Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues.”
Reiner has spoken publicly about his struggles with drug addiction, beginning in his teens. In a 2016 interview with People, he said, “I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun,” and added, “If I wanted to do it my way and not go to the programs they were suggesting, then I had to be homeless.”
Public and Industry Reaction
The deaths of Rob Reiner, a celebrated director whose films include “When Harry Met Sally…”, “A Few Good Men” and “This Is Spinal Tap,” and Michele Reiner, a talent photographer and producer, stunned the Hollywood community and led to an outpouring of tributes from entertainment industry colleagues, political figures and more.
Legal and Media Coverage
Los Angeles County prosecutors planned to speak about the case at a 1 p.m. Tuesday news conference. Details about a possible motive for the killings were not immediately available. A source close to Reiner confirmed to NBC News that he and his wife had apparent stab wounds. The medical examiner has not provided details about an official cause of death.
Key Takeaways
- Nick Reiner, 32, arrested for murder of parents Rob and Michele Reiner.
- Defense attorney Alan Jackson awaiting medical clearance before court appearance.
- First-degree murder charges filed; motive and cause of death still unclear.
As the legal process unfolds, Reiner remains in custody awaiting medical clearance, while prosecutors and the public await further details on the motive and circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths of the Reiner family.
