The son of Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner, pleaded not guilty on Monday (23 February) to murdering his parents at their Los Angeles home in December. Nick Reiner, 32, entered not guilty pleas to two counts of first-degree murder during an arraignment at Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Reiner appeared in court wearing a tan prison jumpsuit, his head closely shaven, and spoke only to confirm he would waive a speedy trial.
Judge Teresa McGonigle formally recorded the pleas after Reiner agreed to waive his right to a speedy trial.
He is accused of fatally stabbing his father, Rob Reiner, 78, and his mother, photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner, 70, at their home in the Brentwood neighbourhood on 14 December. Prosecutors allege the killings took place in the early hours of the morning.
He is charged with two counts of murder with the special circumstance of multiple killings, as well as an allegation that he used a knife.
If Nick Reiner is convicted as charged, he would face life in prison without the possibility of parole, or prosecutors could decide to seek the death penalty. Such a determination has yet to be made, District Attorney Nathan Hochman told reporters after Monday's hearing.
“We have invited defence counsel to present to us, both in writing and orally, any arguments they would like to make in consideration of our going forward or not going forward with the death penalty,” Hochman added, declining to take questions.
Speaking outside court, Hochman, the Los Angeles County District Attorney, said the case was “on track”. He added that most evidence had been handed to the defence, although authorities are still awaiting a coroner’s report.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa McGonigle also set the preliminary hearing, where prosecutors present evidence intended to show probable cause for proceeding to trial. It was set to take place within 30 days of 29 April.
The arraignment had originally been scheduled for 7 January but was delayed after defence lawyer Alan Jackson asked to withdraw from the case. Kimberly Greene, a public defender, later requested that proceedings be postponed until Monday.
Rob and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in the primary bedroom of their West Los Angeles home at about 3:40 PM local time after paramedics were called to the property, officials said.
Nick Reiner was arrested at around 9:15 local time the same day in the Exposition Park area, roughly 24 kilometres (15 miles) from the family home.
The killings stirred an outpouring of grief among Hollywood luminaries for Rob Reiner, who first gained fame by co-starring in the 1970s hit television comedy 'All in the Family' and later directed such beloved films as 'When Harry Met Sally,' 'This is Spinal Tap' and 'The Princess Bride.'
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