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Nick Reiner's attorney gives harrowing explanation as to why client did not appear in court after being accused of killing parents
Nick Reiner’s defense attorney has provided a sobering explanation for why the 32-year-old did not appear in court following his arrest on suspicion of murdering his parents, legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner.
Speaking outside a Los Angeles courthouse on Tuesday morning, defense lawyer Alan Jackson confirmed he has been retained to represent Reiner and said his client is awaiting medical clearance before any court appearance can take place.
Medical Screening Delays Initial Court Appearance
Jackson explained that Reiner’s absence from court was procedural rather than legal, noting that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department requires medical evaluations for certain inmates before they can be formally presented before a judge.
“He’s waiting for medical clearance,” Jackson said, via NBC Los Angeles, adding that such screenings are routine for new bookings or individuals remanded into custody.
When asked how his client was doing, Jackson said he remained hopeful Reiner would be cleared to appear later this week. Reiner was still being held without bail Tuesday morning.
Nick Reiner has been accused of allegedly murdering his parents. Credit: Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images.
Prosecutors File First-Degree Murder Charges
While Reiner awaited medical screening, prosecutors announced early Tuesday afternoon that they intend to file first-degree murder charges against him. Reiner was arrested Monday in connection with the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 68.
Their bodies were discovered Sunday afternoon inside their Brentwood home. A source close to the investigation told NBC News that the couple appeared to have suffered stab wounds, though the medical examiner has not yet released an official cause of death. Investigators have not publicly identified a motive.
High-Profile Defense and Growing Legal Stakes
Alan Jackson is a well-known defense attorney who has represented several high-profile clients, including serving as lead counsel for Karen Read, who was acquitted earlier this year in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend.
Jackson said Los Angeles County prosecutors were expected to address the case during a scheduled 1PM news conference Tuesday.
Reiner is the middle child of Rob and Michele Reiner, who also share two other children. His arrest has sent shockwaves through both Hollywood and legal circles.
Hollywood Reacts to Tragic Loss
The deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner prompted an outpouring of grief from the entertainment industry and political figures alike. Rob Reiner was celebrated for directing iconic films such as When Harry Met Sally…, A Few Good Men, This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, and The Princess Bride.
Michele Reiner was a respected talent photographer and producer. The couple had been married since 1989 and were frequently seen together at industry events, most recently attending the Los Angeles premiere of Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues in September with their family.
Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Credit: Lester Cohen/Getty Images.
Family’s Past Struggles With Addiction
The Reiner family has previously spoken openly about the challenges they faced with Nick’s long battle with addiction. In 2015, Rob and Nick collaborated on the film Being Charlie, which explored substance abuse and a strained father-son relationship.
In a 2016 interview with the Associated Press, Rob Reiner reflected on the project, saying: “It forced us to understand ourselves better than we had. I told Nick while we were making it, ‘You know it doesn’t matter, whatever happens to this thing, we won already.’”
Nick Reiner has also described periods of homelessness and relapse, previously telling PEOPLE: “I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun.”
As the case unfolds, authorities say more details will be released following Reiner’s medical clearance and first court appearance.