Nick Reiner, son of filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer accused of the murder of his parents, found dead and stabbed last Sunday (14), will face two counts of first degree murder (with premeditation and clear intent to kill). The announcement was made by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. Nick will also be charged with using a “dangerous and deadly weapon.”
Given the “special circumstances” of the crime as it involves multiple deaths, Nick could be sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole. According to Hochman, it is not yet clear whether prosecutors will consider the possibility of sentencing him to the death penalty. According to the prosecutor, the family’s wishes will be taken into account, a usual procedure in situations of this type.
Although the death penalty is what prosecutors want, a measure instituted by California Governor Gavin Newsom suspended this possibility, which could change with the 2026 elections.
Los Angeles police previously said Nick was responsible for his parents’ deaths and remained in custody without bail. According to TMZ, a hearing was scheduled for Tuesday (16) but the suspect did not obtain medical authorization to participate. The hearing is expected to be postponed until the next few days, once the charges have been made official.
According to CNN, a person familiar with the matter said Nick was living in the Reiner family guesthouse, a separate residence from the filmmaker’s main property, at the time of the crime. Not enough, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said investigators had yet to determine whether the crime took place last Saturday evening (13) or Sunday.
The information could change how the case will be handled, since sources linked to the case point out that Nick had an argument with his father last Saturday night, during comedian Conan O’Brien’s end-of-year party.
One of three children of the filmmaker who rose to fame with titles such as “Harry and Sally – Made for Each Other”, “Stand By Me”, “Crazy Obsession” and “The Princess Bride”, Nick has a checkered career marked by drug addiction.
At the age of 15, he was admitted to a rehabilitation clinic. In 2016, he had already been hospitalized 17 times. At the time, he participated in an interview about his struggle with drug addiction. At the age of 22 at the time, he participated in the promotion of “Being Charlie”, which his father directed and which he participated in writing.
The film is inspired by Nick’s youth and depicts the trajectory of a young man torn between relapses and attempts to overcome his addictions. The work is seen by Rob enthusiasts as an attempt by the artist to express the difficulty he had connecting with Nick.
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