Nick Reiner makes three-word remark in court as lawyer issues emotional plea over Rob and Michele’s death
Appearing in court today where he was officially charged with his parents' murders, Nick Reiner only had three words to say.
The 32-year-old is being charged with fatally stabbing actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, at their Los Angeles home on Sunday (14 December).
Officially, Nick stands accused of two counts of first-degree murder, with the special circumstance allegation of multiple murders, as well as the fact he used a dangerous and deadly weapon, a knife - factors of which could see him punished with the death penalty.
In their report, California police alleged that, in 'approximately the early morning hours of December 14', Reiner stabbed his parents to death before fleeing the crime scene.
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He was later arrested in Exposition Park near the University of Southern California.
Appearing in court today (17 Dec) with no shirt and donning a set of shackles, Nick waived his right to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty on the charge. The suspect was also wearing what appeared to be a suicide prevention.
Discussing the decision, his lawyer Alan Jackson told attendees: "We all recognise the tragedy, there's very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case.
"We ask that you allow the system to move forward in the way it was designed to move forward."
The solicitor added: "Not with a rush to judgement, not with jumping to conclusions but with restraint and with dignity and with the respect that this system deserves and the family deserve."
Asked by Judge Theresa McGonigle if he understood he has the right to a speedy trial during the brief hearing, screenwriter Nick simply responded, as per the BBC: "Yes, your honour."
His next hearing will take placer on 7 January.
Talking to press outside of the courthouse, Jackson also asked that Rob and Michele's family are handed the respect and privacy they deserve, pointing out that 'nothing happened today substantively' with regards to the criminal case.
"We ask that during this process, you allow the system to move forward in the way that it was designed to move forward, not with a rush to judgement, not with jumping to conclusions, but with restraint and with dignity, and with the respect that this system and this process deserves, and that the family deserves," he went on.
Whilst pointing out that the judge will need to take into account a series of 'complex and serious issues', Jackson also claimed: "Our hearts go out to the entire Reiner family."
Rhianna Benson