Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman has charged Nick Reiner with two counts of first-degree murder with a special circumstance alleging multiple murders for the killing of his parents, famed moviemaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Hochman stated that no decision has been made regarding the death penalty option.
According to court documents, the Reiners were discovered stabbed to death Sunday afternoon at their Brentwood home. Hotel staff entered Nick Reiner’s room later on Sunday morning and found the shower “full of blood” and bloodstains on the bed.
Hochman confirmed that Nick Reiner used a knife in the attack but declined to provide details about the weapon or its location, stating that such information would be presented as evidence in court.
Nick Reiner checked into the Pierside Santa Monica hotel around 4 a.m. Sunday after reportedly arguing with his father at Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party on Saturday. At the party, Nick Reiner’s behavior alarmed guests and he allegedly interrupted comedian Bill Hader during a private conversation, causing Hader to describe Nick as “storming off” in frustration.
Eyewitnesses who saw Nick Reiner check into the hotel reported that he appeared “tweaked out” but showed no signs of bloodstains or injuries. His reservation was for one day, yet he never checked out formally.
Nick Reiner was arrested around 9:15 p.m. Sunday night near downtown Los Angeles after authorities were called to the Reiners’ home at approximately 3:30 p.m. Sunday when the bodies of his parents were discovered.
