LOS ANGELES () — Nick Reiner did not enter plea when he returned to court on Wednesday for the alleged murders of his parents, renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner.
The 32-year-old, who faces two counts of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of multiple murders, sat behind the glass, wearing a dark jumpsuit and sporting a buzz cut. He only spoke when the judge asked if he waives his right to a speedy trial, saying, “Yes, I agree, your honor.”
Nick Reiner’s defense attorney, Alan Jackson — who helped defend Karen Read in Massachusetts — withdrew from the case during Wednesday’s court appearance. Jackson is under a protective order to not talk about the case.
When asked if he agreed to delay the arraignment again, Nick Reiner said, “Uh, yeah, I agree.”
Nick Reiner is now assigned a public defender, Kimberly Green. He will return to court on Feb. 23 and remains in jail on no bail.
A Reiner family spokesperson said, “They have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the legal proceedings.”
Jackson told reporters after court, “I had to withdraw as Nick Reiner’s counsel (due to) circumstances beyond our control, but more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick’s control. … Sadly, it’s made it impossible for us to continue our representation of Nick.”
“Pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder,” he added. “We wish him the very best moving forward.”
Nick Reiner has been charged with the murders of his parents, renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer, officials announced on Tuesday.
Reiner, 32, one of Rob Reiner’s four children, is accused of killing his parents at their Brentwood home last month. He was ordered to remain behind bars at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles without bail following his first court appearance on Dec. 17, when he wore shackles and a suicide-prevention smock.
He could enter a not guilty plea by reason of insanity. According to News sources, law enforcement and defense attorneys have been piecing together Nick’s psychiatric and substance abuse history.
He was reportedly removed from suicide watch ahead of his arraignment.
If Nick Reiner pleads not guilty next month, the case would normally head toward a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence for him to stand trial. His mental competence for trial could also be a factor.
A decade ago, Nick Reiner publicly discussed his severe struggles with addiction and mental health after making a movie with his father, “Being Charlie,” that was very loosely based on their lives.
Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were killed early on the morning of Dec. 14, and they were found in the late afternoon, authorities said. The L.A. County Medical Examiner said in initial findings that they died from “multiple sharp force injuries,” but released no other details, and police have said nothing about possible motives.
The counts against Reiner come with special circumstances of multiple murders and an allegation that he used a dangerous weapon, a knife. The additions could mean a greater sentence.
Prosecutors have said they have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.
News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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