Nick Reiner, son of filmmaker Rob Reiner, denies murder charges in the fatal stabbing of his parents, with a preliminary hearing set for late April.
LOS ANGELES: Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty on Monday to murdering his parents, Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. The 32-year-old entered his plea during a brief arraignment in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
The proceeding had been postponed twice, most recently after his original attorney withdrew. Judge Theresa McGonigle set a preliminary hearing for within 30 days of April 29.
Reiner is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. His parents were found stabbed to death in their West Los Angeles mansion on December 14.
READ MORE: Rob Reiner’s son appears in court over parents’ murder
He appeared in court dressed in brown jail garb and with a shaved head. Reiner agreed to waive his right to a speedy preliminary hearing and was ordered to remain jailed without bond.
Rob Reiner, 78, was famed for directing films like “When Harry Met Sally”. He and his 70-year-old wife were prominent Democratic activists. They had planned to dine with former President Barack Obama on the day they were killed.
The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile Hollywood tragedies. If convicted, Nick Reiner faces life in prison without parole.
Prosecutors could also seek the death penalty. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said that decision has not yet been made.
Authorities have released few details about the crime. Autopsies concluded both victims died from “multiple sharp force injuries”.
Defence lawyer Alan Jackson withdrew from the case in January. Public defender Kimberly Greene was assigned and represented Reiner in court on Monday.
Nick Reiner has a publicly documented history of substance abuse and homelessness. These struggles inspired the film “Being Charlie,” which he co-wrote with his father.
A 2020 report indicated he was placed under a mental health conservatorship. That legal arrangement ended the following year.
His two siblings have not attended the court hearings. They previously issued a statement expressing their “unimaginable pain”.
The case continues to captivate Los Angeles, stirring memories of past celebrity homicides. The preliminary hearing will determine if there is sufficient evidence for a trial.
The Sun Malaysia
