Nick Reiner has officially been charged in connection with the murder of his parents, legendary film director Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer Reiner. The arraignment, originally set for Tuesday, was delayed pending medical clearance for transportation from the jail to the courthouse.
The arraignment is now scheduled for January 7, but the 32 year old made his first court appearance on Wednesday. He wore shackles and a suicide-prevention smock as he sat behind a glass wall. He responded “Yes, your honor” when asked if he waived his right to a speedy trial. Judge Theresa McGonigle prohibited photos and video of the suspect at the request of his defense team.
The Charges
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hockman outlined the charges against Nick during a press conference Tuesday evening. “These charges will be two counts of first degree murder with the special circumstance of multiple murders,” he explained. “He also faces a special allegation that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon, that being a knife. These charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.”
The prosecutor said no decision has yet been made on whether to seek the death penalty.
Nick is currently being held without bail at Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles. He has retained high-profile criminal defense attorney Alan Jackson, who previously served as legal counsel for Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and Karen Reed. Reed was acquitted over the summer after being charged with murdering her Massachusetts cop boyfriend.
Timeline of the Murders
As reported on Wednesday’s AM Update, there is now a clearer timeline of what led up to the murders. Nick, who has reportedly struggled with addiction and behavioral issues from a young age, tagged along with his parents on Saturday night to a holiday party hosted by Conan O’Brien.
Someone in attendance told The New York Times that Rob and Nick got into a loud argument at the event. Another guest reported that people were worried about Nick’s behavior, saying he looked “anxious and uncomfortable” in a way that deeply unsettled them.
TMZ reported that Nick checked into the Pierside Santa Monica hotel about 15 minutes from the Reiners’ Brentwood Mansion around 4am Sunday morning. According to eyewitnesses, Nick seemed “tweaked out,” but there was no indication of a violent altercation. Hotel staff later reportedly discovered the shower in Nick’s room full of blood, with more bloodstains on the bed and sheets covering the windows.
According to The Daily Mail, Rob and Michele were found in their bed with their throats slit, in addition to other stab wounds. It is possible they were asleep when they were murdered.
The Reaction
From the case at hand and possible defense strategies to family dynamics and addiction, Megyn has had the tragic case covered from all angles this week. Keep scrolling for analysis from top legal experts and cultural commentators.
The Crime
Shocking New Details About Nick Reiner’s Behavior Before His Parents’ Murders
Megyn and the hosts of Ruthless – Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook – discuss shocking new details about the murders, Nick’s behavior in the hours before the murder, the tragedy and struggles of drug addiction and fame, and more.
Legal Analysis
Nick Reiner’s Defense: Could He Try BLAMING His Dad Rob?
MK True Crime contributors Arthur Aidala and Matt Murphy join Megyn to talk about her theory that Nick might try to blame his father for abuse or neglect as a defense, if a plea could be reached to avoid the death penalty, and more.
Family Matters
Digging Into Troubled Life of Rob Reiner’s Drug-Addicted Son
Megyn and Emily Jashinsky, host of MK Media’s After Party, react to reports of Nick’s mental health and drug abuse struggles, his uncomfortable interviews about his family in the past, the family’s efforts to help him, the struggles of growing up in a famous family, and more.
Parenting Lessons to Take from Tragic Reiner Story
Megyn and Ruthless examine the darkness of Hollywood, lessons parents can take from this tragedy, and more.
You can check out Megyn’s full analysis on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you like to listen. And don’t forget that you can catch The Megyn Kelly Show live on SiriusXM’s The Megyn Kelly Channel (channel 111) weekdays from 12pm to 2pm ET.