Nick Reiner, the youngest son of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with their deaths. The 32-year-old appeared briefly in a Los Angeles court Wednesday, where he did not enter a plea. If convicted, he could face the death penalty, though California currently has a moratorium on capital punishment.

The prominent couple was found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon. Authorities responded to the scene after a massage therapist arrived for an appointment and could not reach the Reiners. Their daughter, Romy, discovered her father’s body upon entering the residence.

Sources close to the family indicated that Nick Reiner had been living in the guesthouse on his parents’ property and that concerns about his mental health had grown in the weeks prior to the incident. The couple had reportedly been planning to have dinner with former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama just hours after their deaths.

Accounts of an argument between Rob Reiner and his son at a Hollywood party on Saturday night, the eve of the killings, have varied. Some guests reported that Nick Reiner was asked to leave after disturbing attendees with unusual behavior. However, other sources described the altercation as “overblown” and potentially misinterpreted.

Nick Reiner has a well-documented history of struggles with addiction, including heroin and cocaine, which began around his 15th birthday. He has spoken openly about multiple stints in rehabilitation facilities and periods of homelessness. His parents were reportedly deeply involved in trying to support him through these challenges, a fact he acknowledged in past interviews.

Despite his son’s prolonged battle with substance abuse, Rob and Michele Reiner were described by friends as devoted parents who never stopped trying to help. They had previously employed “tough love” tactics but later expressed regret, admitting they should have listened more closely to their son’s needs.

The father and son had collaborated on the 2016 film “Being Charlie,” loosely based on Nick Reiner’s addiction experiences. Rob Reiner described the filmmaking process as a form of therapy that helped him better understand his role as a father.

Nick Reiner was arrested without incident later Sunday evening, approximately 15 miles from his parents’ home. He was taken into custody near a Metro station. Video footage showed him calmly complying with officers during his apprehension.

Rob and Michele Reiner were known for their contributions to film and photography, respectively, and were respected figures within Hollywood and beyond. Their tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through the entertainment community.

In a statement released after his court appearance, Nick Reiner’s siblings, Jake and Romy, expressed their profound grief and asked for privacy. They described their parents as “best friends” and urged for compassion and humanity in remembering their lives.

An official cause and time of death for Rob and Michele Reiner are still being determined by the coroner. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths is ongoing.

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Keywords: Nick Reiner, Rob Reiner, Michele Reiner, murder charges, addiction, Los Angeles crime, Hollywood killings, Brentwood home invasion