Nick Reiner could face death penalty after being charged with murder for parent's death
Topics: Rob Reiner, Crime, US News, Celebrity, Los Angeles
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Featured Image Credit: Adela Loconte/WireImage
Topics: Rob Reiner, Crime, US News, Celebrity, Los Angeles
The son of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele could face the death penalty if he's convicted of his parents' murder, it has been revealed.
Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of famous movie director Rob Reiner and his wife of more than three decades, Michele Singer Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder following the deaths of the couple over the weekend.
Nick was arrested on Sunday (December 14) and booked into jail on suspicion of murder after the 78-year-old and 68-year-old were found deceased in their Brentwood home.
He could face the death penalty if found guilty, Los Angeles prosecutors have said.
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Initially, Nick was being held on a $4,000,000 bond, but this was later updated to detain him in custody without bail as he awaits his day in court.
District attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement: "Rob Reiner was a brilliant actor and director, an iconic force in our entertainment industry for decades. His wife, Michele Singer Reiner, was an equally iconic photographer and producer.
"Their loss is beyond tragic. We will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice."
Prosecutors have indicated they are set to file the charges with an additional allegation that the suspect used a dangerous weapon, believed to be a knife.
The insight from prosecutors comes as sources close to the Reiners claimed they were stabbed to death.
Hochman also said the charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty.
He added that 'no decision' has been made over the death penalty yet.
Rob and Michele tied the knot in 1989 and went on to share three children, Jake, Nick and daughter, Romy.
Cops were called to their LA home on Sunday at around 3.38pm local time for requests of 'medical aid' to the property, but tragically announced the couple were found dead at the scene.
Before charges were formally announced, the LAPD already branded Nick as 'responsible' for his parents' deaths.
"As a result of the initial investigation, it was determined that the Reiners were the victims of homicide," part of the statement shared on Twitter read. "The investigation further revealed that Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of Robert and Michele Reiner, was responsible for their deaths."
It also comes after Nick was allegedly disruptive at a Christmas party hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien the night before the murders. According to NBC News, a source alleged his parents were embarrassed by his behaviour and expressed concerns about his health.
Police added Nick did not resist arrest when he was detained hours later near the University of Southern California, roughly four miles away from the crime scene.
He was due to make an initial court appearance yesterday (December 16), but his attorney said he was not brought from jail to the courthouse for medical reasons. Nick has also not entered a plea.