Prosecutors have since added special circumstances of multiple murders and use of a dangerous weapon, a knife, meaning if he is convicted, he could face life behind bars without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty.
Nick broke his silence for the first time since he was charged with their arrests on Wednesday (December 17). The 32-year-old, who has battled addiction and homelessness, appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court wearing a blue anti-suicide smock and shackles.
His attorney, Alan Jackson, declined to enter a plea on behalf of his client. However, Reiner did speak briefly during the hearing. When asked if Reiner was waiving his right to a speedy arraignment, he simply replied: “Yes, your honour”.
Nick’s defense lawyer asked the judge for a continuance, adding that he “needed more time” to prepare his case. His arraignment was rescheduled for January 7, and he was ordered to remain in jail without bail until then.
After the court hearing, the attorney addressed the press and asked the public not to “rush to judgment” about the high-profile case. He explained: “This is a devastating tragedy that has befallen the Reiner family. There are very, very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case.
“These need to be thoroughly and very carefully felt with. We ask that throughout this process, you allow the system to move forward in the way that it was designed to move forward, not with a rush to judgment.”
Shortly after the hearing, the couple’s other children, Romy and Jake, released a heartbreaking statement on their deaths. It read: “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day.
“The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but from people from all walks of life.” The pair asked people for “respect and privacy” and urged the public to treat any speculation with “compassion and humanity”.
Jake and Romy said they wanted their parents to be remembered for the “incredible lives they lived and the love” they gave. It is understood that Rob and his son got into a heated argument the night before the attack at a Christmas party hosted by Conan O’Brien, according to PEOPLE.
One source told the publication: “Nick was freaking everyone out, acting crazy, kept asking people if they were famous.” TMZ reported that Rob and his life left the star-studded party following the disagreement.