Nick Reiner faces first-degree murder charge in deaths of parents Rob and Michele Reiner

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Nick Reiner has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly stabbing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, to death, according to Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman on Tuesday, December 16. The Hollywood couple were found murdered at their Brentwood home on December 14, located in the 200 block of South Chadbourne Avenue.

Hochman announced the charges after an investigation into the December 14 killings of the high-profile couple. Police arrested the couple’s 32-year-old son Nick later that night after identifying him as the suspect.

District attorney provides update on Rob and Michele Reiner murder case

During a brief press conference Tuesday, December 16, Hochman addressed the case, calling crimes involving family members 'some of the most heart-wrenching' because of their intimate nature.'

“Their loss is beyond tragic,” Hochman said. “We will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice.”

Hochman announced, "These charges will be two counts of first-degree murder, with a special circumstance of multiple murders. [Nick Reiner] also faces a special allegation that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon — that being a knife."

He continued, "These charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. No decision has been made at this point with respect to the death penalty."

Authorities declined to say whether Nick, who has a history of substance abuse, appeared to be under the influence or experiencing mental illness when police contacted him.

Los Angeles police chief Jim McDonnell said officers located Nick in a public area of Exposition Park near the University of Southern California campus and arrested him without incident.

Hochman urged the public to rely only on official sources for information. “If it doesn’t come from the LAPD, the District Attorney’s Office, the Coroner’s Office or from the court, then it’s a good chance it’s misinformation. Please do not rely on rank speculation, remarks or hearsay to understand anything in this case,” he said.

He emphasized the seriousness of the case, adding, “These are some of the most serious charges a district attorney can bring against anyone. Do I anticipate it being very fast? No. I anticipate it being very thorough."

 Rob Reiner once urged parents to 'listen to their children'

Nick Reiner collaborated with his father on the 2015 film 'Being Charlie,' which Nick wrote and Rob Reiner directed. The movie draws from Nick’s own experiences and offers a semi-autobiographical portrayal of his struggles with addiction and homelessness.

Nick, who said he entered and exited rehabilitation 18 times by 2016, publicly thanked his parents for their support, and described his father as compassionate during an interview about the film.

In that interview, Rob urged parents to listen to their children. “Try to spend as much time as you can with your kids. Try to understand your kids and don’t punish them because, in my opinion, the reason they’re taking drugs or alcohol, whatever they’re doing is because there’s a pain."

Rob rose to fame in the 1970s with his breakout role on the sitcom 'All in the Family.' Most recently, he appeared this year in season four of Hulu’s restaurant-industry drama 'The Bear.'

Rob and Michele leave behind their children, Jake and Romy Reiner, as well as Rob daughter from a previous marriage, Tracy Reiner.

In a statement, a family spokesperson announced the couple’s deaths and asked for privacy. “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time,” the spokesperson said.

Colleagues in the film industry and political leaders also remembered Rob, who spoke out frequently on progressive causes.