Prosecutors in Los Angeles, United States, have charged Nick Reiner with the murders of his parents, acclaimed Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that Reiner faces two counts of first-degree murder, alongside a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders.
If convicted, he could receive a sentence of life imprisonment without parole or face the death penalty.
Hochman said Reiner will be brought before the court to formally hear the charges and enter a plea once he is medically cleared by prison officials.
The decision on whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty has not yet been made.
The charges were filed two days after the couple were discovered dead in their Brentwood, California home, both suffering multiple stab wounds. Prosecutors also included a special allegation that the suspect used a knife.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Hochman described the suspect, 32, as having used a “dangerous and deadly weapon, that being a knife.”
He added that details about whether the alleged murder weapon had been recovered would be presented in court.
Reiner was initially expected to appear before a judge later on Tuesday for his arraignment, but the district attorney later confirmed that the hearing would be scheduled for a later date.
Rob Reiner was celebrated for directing a range of iconic films across different genres, including This Is Spinal Tap, Misery and A Few Good Men.
His wife, Michele Singer Reiner, was an actress, photographer and producer, and the founder of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company.
Addressing reporters, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said, “This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for the entire city.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy,” he added.
Authorities said autopsies are still pending and will determine the exact cause, manner and time of death.
