Los Angeles prosecutors plan to charge Nick Reiner with murder for allegedly killing his parents, Hollywood director Rob Reiner, and his wife, Michelle.
Nick Reiner is charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances alleging multiple murders, District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.
He could be sentenced to life in prison without parole or, if convicted, the death penalty. He will be taken to court to be formally charged after being medically cleared by prison officials, Hochman added.
The charges come two days after the couple was found dead with multiple stab wounds at their home in Brentwood, California.
Prime Minister Hochman said at a press conference that no decision has yet been made on whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty.
The suspect (32 years old) was also accused of using a ‘dangerous and deadly weapon, namely a knife.’
He was expected to appear before a judge later Tuesday for an arraignment where he will be formally charged.
Rob Reiner has directed several iconic films across a variety of genres, including This is Spinal Tap, Misery, and A Few Good Men.
Michele Singer Reiner was an actor, photographer, producer, and founder of the photo agency and production company Reiner Light.
“This incident is heartbreaking and personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for the entire city,” Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonell said at a news conference.
“We offer our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy.”
At the news conference, officials declined to say where the suspect was located and described his arrest as the result of an “excellent and robust police investigation.”
District Attorney Hochman said it was too early to tell whether “mental illness” played a role in the crime, speculating it could come up at trial.
“If there is evidence of mental illness, it will come to court with whatever details the defense wants to present,” he said.
