Rob Reiner’s son could be medically cleared to appear in court as soon as Wednesday to face charges over the killing of his parents.
Nick Reiner, 32, has been charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of his father, Hollywood director and actor Rob Reiner, 78, and his mother, photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner, 68. He is currently being held in a Los Angeles County jail without bail.
His lawyer, Alan Jackson, told reporters on Tuesday that Reiner had not yet been medically cleared to appear in court, a process he described as “procedural.”
“The bailiff has indicated that the sheriff’s department will take it on a day-by-day basis, and so hopefully he’ll be cleared tomorrow (Wednesday), and we can get him here.”
Nick Reiner with his wife Michele Singer Reiner
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said the case includes a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders, along with an allegation that a knife was used.
Prosecutors said the charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty. District Attorney Nathan Hochman has said a decision has not yet been made on whether prosecutors would seek capital punishment.
Authorities say the couple were found dead at their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, on Sunday, 14 December.
According to US media reports, Nick Reiner had argued with his parents at a glitzy Hollywood party the prior evening.
He was arrested later that day and has been held without bail, while the investigation continues.
Flowers, candles and other mementos lay on the Hollywood star of director and actor Rob Reiner
Rob Reiner began his career as an actor, becoming widely known for his Emmy-winning performance of Michael ‘Meathead’ Stivic in All in the Family, before moving behind the camera and directing films including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally… and A Few Good Men.
The deaths prompted tributes from across entertainment and public life, with actor Ben Stiller describing Reiner as “a kind caring person” and former US President Barack Obama saying his work was underpinned by “a deep belief in the goodness of people”.
Source: AFP