Nick Reiner now faces a new indictment in the case involving his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. Prosecutors have added a new special-circumstance allegation of lying in wait to the murder charges.
Nick has been held without bail since his arrest shortly after his parents were found dead at their Brentwood home last December. The 32-year-old originally faced two counts of first-degree murder with a special-circumstance allegation tied to multiple killings.
Variety has reported that a grand jury issued the indictment on July 20. It was made public Wednesday and includes the new allegation of “lying in wait.” Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty to the charges at the hearing.
Because of the grand jury indictment, prosecutors do not have to hold a preliminary hearing. The case can instead move ahead toward trial.
When is Nick Reiner’s pretrial hearing scheduled for?
Reiner’s case does not yet have a trial date. The 32-year-old is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on Sept. 15. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the latest development could help bring the case closer to trial.
As quoted by Variety, he said, “This was a profound betrayal by someone who was loved and trusted by the very people he is accused of killing. We hope that by having a grand jury return an indictment in this case. It will bring us one step closer to a trial and achieving justice.”
A public defender currently represents Reiner. Alan Jackson previously served as his private attorney but withdrew from the case in January.
In June, Reiner’s lawyers asked a probate court to release $1.5 million from a trust to pay for his legal defense. They said the money would help him bring Jackson back as his attorney. The petition stated, “Nick loved his parents, and he is devastated by their deaths.” The probate court is scheduled to hear that request Friday.
For those unfamiliar, Nick Reiner’s last credited screen work was Being Charlie, which he co-wrote with Matt Elisofon.