Nick Reiner to face murder charges in parents' killings

The son of Hollywood legend Rob Reiner will face murder charges in the killings of his parents — Hollywood legend Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, the Los Angeles County district attorney announced Tuesday.

In addition to two counts of murder, Nick Reiner, 32, faces special-circumstance allegations — multiple murders and use of a deadly weapon — that would make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted

District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office has not yet determined whether it would seek death or life without the possibility of parole. Such decisions are usually made after a preliminary hearing where a judge hears evidence from prosecutors.

Hochman said he would consider the family’s wishes when making his decision.

"Prosecuting these cases involving family members are some of the most challenging and most heart wrenching cases that this office faces because of the intimate and often brutal nature of the crimes involved," Hochman said at a Tuesday afternoon news conference.

In the past, Nick Reiner has admitted to struggles with drug addiction and mental illness. It is unclear how much of that will factor into the case.

"At the appropriate time, if there is evidence of mental illness, it will be presented in court and in whatever detail the defense seeks to do that," Hochman said.

Reiner appeared briefly in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday morning. He has retained high-profile defense attorney Alan Jackson, who has previously represented Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and others.

He did not enter a plea. A judge granted a defense request to postpone arraignment to Jan. 7.

Also on Wednesday, the Reiner family released a statement, obtained by CBS News and other outlets. The statement came from two of the couple's adult children, Jake and Romy.

"Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day," the statement read. "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 people from all walks of life. We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave."

Rob Reiner had another adopted child, Tracy Reiner, daughter of his previous wife actress Penny Marshall.

The arrest

Nick Reiner was arrested Monday in Exposition Park near USC in connection with the stabbing deaths of his parents, according to Los Angeles police.

Actor/Producer/Director Rob Reiner (center) and wife Michele Singer (L) and son Nick Reiner (R) attend Teen Vogue's Back-to-School Saturday kick-off event at The Grove on August 9, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.

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Michael Buckner

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Getty Images for Teen Vogue

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Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead Sunday after police were called to their Brentwood home on South Chadbourne Avenue around 3:40 p.m.

Detectives with the Police Department’s elite Robbery Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section began an investigation and identified Reiner as the suspect, according to police.

The younger Reiner was located and arrested at approximately 9:15 p.m., according to police. He was booked on suspicion of murder and remains in custody with no bail.

Police did not say where Reiner was found.

There was no official word regarding a possible motive for the crime.

People Magazine reported that Romy Reiner was the one who found the bodies.

The family members of the late All in the Family creator Norman Lear issued a statement saying they were devastated by the deaths.

“Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary, to us and the world,” the statement read. “Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place.''

Hollywood legend

Rob Reiner became a household name playing Michael "Meathead" Stivic on TV’s All In The Family. It captured the politics of the time.

But he went on to eclipse that early success with a decades-long career in film. He directed dozens of movies, including such legendary romantic comedies as When Harry Met Sally and The American President, and he revived the art of the mockumentary with This Is Spinal Tap.

Other beloved films include Stand By Me and The Princess Bride. He was nominated for an Oscar for directing A Few Good Men.

Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer who met her husband while he was filming When Harry Met Sally. He said he changed the ending of the film after their meeting.

Reiner was politically active throughout his career as an actor, director, producer and writer. He was an outspoken liberal and Democratic Party fundraiser.