August M
Los Angeles authorities say a high-profile family tragedy is now being treated as a double homicide, as prosecutors prepare to bring formal charges against a suspect with close ties to the film industry. Investigators have released limited details while court proceedings move forward.
The case has drawn intense attention because of the prominence of the victims.
Charges expected
Prosecutors in Los Angeles said they will charge Nick Reiner, the son of film director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, with two counts of murder.
The couple were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday. Prosecutors said on Tuesday, local time, that they will allege the 32-year-old used a knife to kill his parents.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said two counts of first-degree murder would be formally filed later in the day, reports ABC News
Arrest and investigation
According to ABC News, Nick Reiner was arrested several hours after the bodies were discovered on Sunday afternoon. Police said homicide detectives identified the younger son as a suspect based on evidence gathered at the scene.
Investigators took him into custody without incident and later handed the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Hochman said the charges carry a potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, or capital punishment, though prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.
Limited details
Prosecutors confirmed that a knife was used in the alleged killings but declined to provide further information about the circumstances or motive.
Media reports have said Nick Reiner was seen arguing with his parents at a holiday party hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien the night before the deaths, though authorities have not publicly confirmed those accounts.
Nick Reiner has remained in custody at a Los Angeles County jail since Sunday night.
Public reaction
Tributes have poured in for Rob Reiner, a celebrated filmmaker and political activist.
“This is a devastating loss for our city and our country,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said, praising Reiner’s cultural influence and advocacy.
Rob Reiner directed films including This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride and A Few Good Men, and won two Emmy Awards for his role on All in the Family. Michele Reiner was a photographer whose work included the image used on the cover of Donald Trump’s book The Art of the Deal, notes ABC News
Sources: ABC News
