Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, whose bodies were discovered in their Los Angeles home more than two months ago.
Prosecutors say 32-year-old Nick is accused of fatally stabbing his parents inside their West Los Angeles residence in the early hours of December 14 before leaving the scene. The couple, aged 78 and 70, was found later that day by their daughter, who alerted authorities.
Initial findings from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner indicate both victims died from "multiple sharp force injuries," consistent with a knife attack. Nick was arrested in Los Angeles the same day and has remained in custody without bail, according to the New York Times.
During Monday's arraignment, held in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom, Reiner appeared in a brown prison jumpsuit and stood behind glass as his attorney entered the not-guilty plea on his behalf.
The brief hearing lasted only a few minutes but formally set the case on track for a possible trial later this year. A judge scheduled his next court appearance for late April, giving prosecutors and defense lawyers time to review evidence and file pretrial motions.
Authorities say that while autopsies were performed shortly after the couple's deaths, a full, finalized autopsy report has not yet been released to prosecutors or the public because of a court order sealing the records.
Officials have confirmed the basic cause and manner of death but noted that detailed findings, including toxicology results and any additional forensic observations, remain under seal as investigators continue to examine the case, USA Today reported.
Prosecutors told the court they are still awaiting the complete autopsy documentation, which is expected to be incorporated into the evidence once the medical examiner's office finalizes its work and the judge lifts or modifies the security hold.
Reiner is charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, including multiple murders and the alleged use of a knife. Because of those allegations, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, and California law allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty, though they have not yet announced whether they will pursue it.
Authorities have released few details about a possible motive, citing ongoing investigative work and the court order limiting public disclosure. Law enforcement officials have acknowledged reviewing Reiner's history, including reported struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues, but they have not linked those issues to the charges in any formal filings, as per CBC.
