New details have emerged in the murder of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, with news site TMZ learning that the elderly couple had been dead for hours before their bodies were found by their daughter on Sunday (local time).
Deputies spoke with law enforcement officials connected to the case, who revealed that rigor mortis had already set in by the time officers arrived at the scene, confirming the fact that they had been dead for hours before their daughter Romy made the gruesome discovery.
Romy was interviewed at her parents’ home by police, where she revealed that her brother Nick, who was living with their parents at the time, was ‘dangerous’. Nick himself was not found at the scene, leading to speculation that he fled the scene after allegedly killing his parents.
Sources described the drawer crime scene as the work of a “mad man”.
Six hours after the double murder was discovered, the police were able to arrest Nick, who is currently being held on a suicide watch without bail.
Nick Reiner charged with 2 murders
Prosecutors in the case have already charged Nick Reiner with two counts of first-degree murder.
At a press conference in Los Angeles with City Police Chief Jim McDonnell, District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that Nick is charged with the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner.
Prosecutors also added special circumstances of multiple murder, as well as allegations that the defendant used a knife, a dangerous weapon. These additions could result in a higher sentence for Nick if convicted.
“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for our entire city,” McDonnell said, according to the AP. “We will continue to support the Reiner family and ensure that every step forward is taken with care, dignity and determination,” he also said.
Nick Reiner’s defense attorney, Alan Jackson, is a high-profile attorney who previously represented infamous Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein at his trial in Los Angeles.
