Rob Reiner’s son Nick appeared in court for the first time Wednesday on two counts of first-degree murder in the murders of his parents.
Wearing a suicide prevention smock and handcuffs, the 32-year-old man did not enter a plea as he was revealed from behind the glass wall of a detention area.
His next court appearance will be 7th January.
As it happened: Nick Renner appears in court for the first time
Nick Reiner appears in court for the first time on murder charges in this courtroom sketch. Photo: Reuters/Mona Edwards
Nick Reiner acknowledged the date with a simple “Yes, your honour.”
It was charged on Tuesday. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the murders of 78-year-old actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michelle Singer Reiner, at a press conference.
Nick Renner is being held without bail and may face the death penalty.
Renner’s lawyer told the public, ‘Don’t be hasty in making decisions.’
In addition to the two counts of first-degree murder, prosecutors have included a special circumstance of multiple murders and allegations that Renner personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon, specifically a knife.
Speaking outside court, Nick Renner’s lawyer, Alan Jackson, called on the public to “not rush judgement.”
Mr Jackson emphasised the need for a thorough and meticulous investigation into the “complex and serious issues involved in this matter”.
He described the Renner family’s situation as a “devastating tragedy”.
Rob Reiner, Michelle Singer Reiner, Romy Reiner, Nick Reiner, Maria Gilfillan; and Jake Reiner. Photo: JanuaryImages/Shutterstock
‘Unimaginable pain’
Nick Reiner’s siblings, Jake and Romy, released a statement saying, “Words cannot describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day.”
Rob and Michelle Renner is something that no one should have to endure.
“The terrible and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michelle Renner, is something no one should have to experience,” he said.
They were not only our parents, but also our closest friends. “We are grateful for the compassion, kindness, and support we received, not only from family and friends but also from people from all walks of life.”
Both sought to be treated with “respect and privacy,” while also wanting speculation to be approached with “compassion and humanity.”
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the killings.
Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner were found dead of apparent stab wounds in their homes in the posh Brentwood neighbourhood of Los Angeles.
Area near Rob Reiner’s home. Photo: AP
Read more from Sky News:
In a moment Nick Renner was arrested for the murder of his parents
Could Reiner really face the death penalty?
When Nick Renner was arrested a few hours later, near the University of Southern California, about 14 miles (22.5 kilometres) from the crime scene, he did not resist, according to police.
Rob Reiner was a renowned director whose work included some of the most memorable films of the 1980s and 1990s, including This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, and A Few Good Men.
While directing Harry Met Sally in 1989, he met photographer, filmmaker and LGBTQ+ rights advocate Michelle Singer.
