The 32-year-old defendant remains jailed without bail as prosecutors continue reviewing evidence and weighing whether to pursue capital punishment.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty Monday to two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the stabbing deaths of his parents, actor-director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, during a brief but closely watched hearing in Los Angeles.
Reiner’s plea was entered by Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene as the 32-year-old stood behind glass in a secure custody enclosure inside a packed courtroom. He has remained in custody without bail since his arrest hours after his parents were discovered dead on Dec. 14 at their home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Appearing with a shaved head and dressed in brown jail-issued clothing, Reiner conferred briefly with his attorney before the hearing began. He spoke only once during the proceeding, responding “yes” to a question from the judge. He was not wearing the suicide prevention smock that he had on during his initial court appearance in December.
Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian told the court that prosecutors are still awaiting a complete autopsy report but that all other evidence in the case has been provided to the defense. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner previously determined that Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, died from “multiple sharp force injuries.” Authorities have stated the couple was killed hours before their bodies were found.
A court order has restricted the release of further case details, and officials have not disclosed a possible motive.
Prosecutors have not yet determined whether they will seek the death penalty. Under the charges filed, Nick Reiner is eligible for capital punishment.
At an earlier hearing in January, Reiner was represented by private defense attorney Alan Jackson, who withdrew from the case citing what he described as circumstances beyond his and his client’s control. Jackson declined to elaborate, stating that legal ethics prevented him from explaining the reason for his departure. Outside the courthouse, he said, “pursuant to the laws of California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder.”
Jackson said his position followed weeks of intensive investigation before his team relinquished the case. He also stated he intended to counter what he characterized as inaccurate reporting surrounding the proceedings. It remains unclear who retained Jackson or who was covering his legal fees. Defendants typically qualify for public defenders when unable to afford private counsel.
Rob Reiner built a decades-long career in film and television, directing several widely recognized movies of the 1980s and 1990s. His directing credits included “This Is Spinal Tap,” “Stand By Me,” “A Few Good Men,” and “When Harry Met Sally…,” the latter production marking the period when he met photographer Michele Singer. The two married shortly thereafter and remained together for 36 years.
The case remains pending as prosecutors finalize forensic reports and pretrial proceedings continue.
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