The son of veteran Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner has been taken into custody and charged with the murder of his parents after they were found dead at their Los Angeles home.
Police identified the suspect as Nick Reiner, 32, who was arrested about five hours after officers responded to the residence in West Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.
In a statement, the Los Angeles Police Department said officers arrived at the home around 3.40 pm and discovered two deceased adults, a male and a female. They were later confirmed to be Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner.
Authorities said investigations showed the couple were victims of homicide and that evidence pointed to their son as the suspect.
Nick Reiner was arrested later that evening near the University of Southern California campus. Surveillance footage and images released by police showed officers surrounding and handcuffing him at the scene.
He has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the suspect could face life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty if convicted.
“He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and faces the most serious penalties under the law,” Hochman said.
Police confirmed that Nick Reiner is being held without bail and placed on suicide watch. He has reportedly hired defence lawyer Alan Jackson. He was expected in court on Tuesday but was not medically cleared to appear.
Rob Reiner is a celebrated actor and director who rose to fame on the television sitcom All in the Family before becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected filmmakers.
He directed several acclaimed films, including The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally and A Few Good Men, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
One of his most iconic works remains the 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap. A sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, was released in September.
Police say investigations into the double murder are ongoing.
