A grand jury in Los Angeles County has issued an indictment against Nick Reiner for the murder of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, alleging that he was lying in wait before the attack. The indictment, returned on July 20 after meeting in secrecy, was unsealed as 32-year-old Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty.
Rob Reiner, a renowned director and actor, and his wife, photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner, were fatally stabbed in their Brentwood home on December 14. Nick Reiner was swiftly arrested and charged two days later.
The grand jury’s indictment marks a significant progression towards trial, bypassing the usual preliminary hearing in California. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman characterized the crime as a profound betrayal by someone the victims loved and trusted.
The unsealed indictment discloses few additional details surrounding the case, but the “lying in wait” accusation means that Nick Reiner could face the death penalty, although a decision on seeking it has not been confirmed by prosecutors. The document mentions the use of a knife in the killings, consistent with earlier reports of the couple being stabbed.
Numerous crucial questions about the incident remain unanswered publicly, with prosecutors yet to reveal any motives and leaks being scarce. The Los Angeles County chief medical examiner expressed a desire to release the autopsy reports but has been restricted by a court order.
Amidst these legal proceedings, Nick Reiner is pursuing unpaid funds from a trust established by his parents, arguing that the money is necessary for his defense. The trustees allegedly withheld the funds without valid reasons, despite the trust being intended for Nick, even if his parents were alive.
Nick Reiner’s request to rehire his previous defense lawyer is pending a hearing scheduled for the following week. The L.A. County Public Defender’s Office, representing Reiner, declined to comment on the indictment.
The Reiner family tragedy has deeply affected their loved ones, with Nick and his father collaborating on the script for a film that delves into Nick’s personal struggles with addiction and homelessness. Jake Reiner, Nick’s older brother, described the ordeal as a heart-wrenching nightmare that defies comprehension.