Prosecutors in Los Angeles will file murder charges against a son of Rob and Michele Reiner, the Hollywood couple who were found dead in their home with multiple stab wounds on Sunday.
Nick Reiner, 32, is facing two counts of first-degree murder and could be sentenced to life in prison if found guilty. He will be brought to court to formally face charges after he is “medically-cleared” by prison officials, District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Mr Hochman also said no decision had yet been made about whether to seek the death penalty.
Rob Reiner directed several iconic films in a variety of genres, including This is Spinal Tap, Misery and A Few Good Men.
Michele Singer Reiner was an actress, photographer and producer, and the founder of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company.
Their son Nick Reiner is facing two counts of first degree murder, “with a special circumstance of multiple murders,” according to Hochman. That enhancement could lead to a stiffer sentence if he is later found guilty.
District Attorney Hochman said he also is accused of using a “dangerous and deadly weapon, that being a knife”.
The suspect is currently undergoing medical testing to ensure that he can attend court. He is expected to appear before a judge later on Tuesday for an arraignment hearing, where he will be formally charged, and also able to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
LA Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell also spoke during the news conference, describing how the case has reverberated throughout the city.
“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for the entire city,” he said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy.”
During the news conference, officials declined to say how the suspect was located, attributing his arrest to “good, solid police work”.
District Attorney Hochman added that it is too early to say whether any “mental illness” played a role in the crime, and speculated that it could come up at trial.
“If there is evidence of mental illness, it will appear in court, in whatever details the defence seeks to present,” he said.
