A grand jury in Los Angeles County has charged Nick Reiner with murder for the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, alleging that he was lying in wait prior to the attack. The indictment was issued on July 20 following secret deliberations and was made public on Wednesday when 32-year-old Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty.
Rob Reiner, a renowned director and actor, and his wife, photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner, were fatally stabbed in their Brentwood home in Los Angeles on December 14. Nick Reiner was swiftly arrested and formally charged two days later.
The grand jury indictment marks a significant progression towards trial, enabling prosecutors to bypass California’s preliminary hearing process, which typically involves the public presentation of evidence.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed the gravity of the situation, calling it a “profound betrayal” by someone who was trusted and loved by the victims. Hochman emphasized that seeking an indictment was a crucial step towards achieving justice.
The unsealed indictment does not offer many new details about the case, which has been shrouded in secrecy. However, the inclusion of the lying in wait accusation makes Reiner eligible for the death penalty, although the decision to pursue it remains undecided by the prosecutors.
While specific details about the lying in wait circumstances are not disclosed in the indictment, it does mention the use of a knife in the killings. The motive behind the attack and other fundamental aspects of the case have not been publicly revealed, with leaks being scarce from both sides of the investigation.
The chief medical examiner of Los Angeles County expressed a desire to release the autopsy reports but has been restrained by a court order from doing so.
Additionally, the indictment coincides with Reiner’s effort to access funds from a trust established by his parents, claiming it is necessary for his defense. The trust reportedly holds assets of at least $1.5 million US, yet the exact amount has not been disclosed to Reiner.
Reiner’s petition to secure the services of prominent defense attorney Alan Jackson is pending a hearing scheduled for the following week.
The L.A. County Public Defender’s Office, representing Reiner, refrained from commenting on the indictment. Prosecutors in California have the option to proceed with a preliminary hearing or opt for a grand jury process, as seen in this case, to maintain secrecy.