A grand jury in Los Angeles County has charged Nick Reiner with murdering his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, and has accused him of lying in wait before the attack. The indictment was issued on July 20 after the grand jury met in secret and was made public when Nick Reiner, aged 32, pleaded not guilty.
The victims, Rob Reiner, a prominent director and actor, and Michele Singer Reiner, a photographer and producer, were fatally stabbed in their Brentwood home on December 14. Nick Reiner was swiftly arrested after the incident and formally charged two days later.
The grand jury’s decision marks a significant progression towards a trial, bypassing the need for a preliminary hearing in California, which typically involves the public disclosure of evidence. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the case as a profound betrayal by someone who was trusted and loved by the victims.
The indictment, which was recently unsealed, does not provide many new specifics about the case. However, the revelation of the lying in wait allegation makes Reiner eligible for the death penalty, although prosecutors have not yet determined whether they will pursue it. The indictment mentions the use of a knife in the crime, aligning with authorities’ previous statements that the couple was stabbed.
Numerous key questions surrounding the motive for the crime remain unanswered, with little information leaked to the public. The Los Angeles County chief medical examiner expressed a desire to release the autopsy reports but has been restricted by a court order.
In a separate legal matter, Reiner is seeking funds from a trust established by his parents to assist in his defense. He claims that the trustees are withholding the money without justification, despite the trust being designated for his benefit even if his parents were alive. The trust reportedly holds assets worth at least $1.5 million US, though the exact sum has not been disclosed.
A court hearing is scheduled to address Reiner’s petition, where he intends to secure the services of prominent defense attorney Alan Jackson. Initially, Reiner’s siblings funded his defense, but they later withdrew their support, leading to the appointment of a public defender.
The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, representing Reiner, declined to comment on the indictment. California prosecutors have the option of conducting a preliminary hearing or convening a grand jury in secret, as seen in this case. The indictment process was also employed in the prosecution of Harvey Weinstein in Los Angeles.
Rob Reiner, a respected actor and director, achieved fame through his roles in TV shows like All in the Family and his directorial work on iconic films such as This is Spinal Tap and When Harry Met Sally…. His marriage to Michele Singer lasted for 36 years, and they had three children together, including Nick Reiner, who collaborated with his father on the screenplay for the film Being Charlie.