Nick Reiner appears in court charged with murdering parents

Nick Reiner, son of famous Hollywood director Rob Reiner, appeared in court for the first time, accused of murdering his family.

The 32-year-old man waived his right to defend himself against two charges of first-degree murder at trial; because all parties agreed to postpone his trial until January 7, when he will have the opportunity to make his defense once again.

His lawyer, Alan Jackson, told reporters outside court that there were “complex and serious issues” in the case that needed to be resolved in the coming weeks.

Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on Sunday. Nick Reiner was charged with murder on Tuesday.

When he appeared in court in downtown Los Angeles, Mr. Reiner said only “yes, your honor” when asked by Judge Theresa McGonigle whether he understood he had the right to a speedy trial.

The judge had previously ordered media gathered outside the courthouse hours before the hearing not to film the defendant, who was apparently wearing a suicide-prevention vest.

Media in the courtroom were unable to see Mr. Reiner during the brief hearing because he was seated in an out-of-the-way corner.

He was initially scheduled to appear in court Tuesday but was medically not cleared to do so, his attorney and prosecutors said.

“We ask that you allow the system to proceed as designed during this process,” Mr. Reiner’s lawyer, Alan Jackson, told reporters. he said.

“Not with hasty judgment or jumping to conclusions, but with moderation, with dignity, with the respect that this system and process deserves and the family deserves,” he said.

Speaking to the BBC after the hearing, a criminal defense lawyer said the delay in Mr Reiner’s plea may have been designed to allow time for psychiatric evaluation.

“Psychiatric evaluation is usually done before going to trial to see if he is fit to go to trial,” said Seth Zuckerman.

Until his next hearing on January 7, Mr. Reiner will remain in custody at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.

If he pleads not guilty, he could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors said no decision has yet been made on whether the death penalty will be imposed.

Rob Reiner has directed many iconic films across a variety of genres, including This is Spinal Tap, Misery, and A Few Good Men.

Michele Singer Reiner was an actress, photographer, producer, and founder of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company.

“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for the entire city,” LA Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said in a statement Tuesday. he said.

With additional reporting by Sakshi Venkatraman