Rob Reiner's son Nick is potentially facing the death penalty after he was arrested and charged with the murder of his parents.
The legendary director and his wife Michele Singer were tragically found dead in their California home on Sunday and their son Nick, who has a history of drug addiction and mental health struggles, was arrested yesterday.
Now it has been reported that he could face the death penalty after being charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Should he be found guilty, district attorney Nathan Hochman suggested that a death penalty sentence could be on the cards.
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He said: "Rob Reiner was a brilliant actor and director, an iconic force in our entertainment industry for decades. His wife, Michel Singer Reine, was an equally iconic photographer and producer.
"Their loss is beyond tragic. We will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice."
Prosecutors confirmed yesterday that they will file the charges, which include two counts of first degree murder with a special circumstance of multiple murders, and the special allegation that he used a dangerous weapon, which in this circumstance was a knife.
These charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty, although Mr Hochman confirmed that 'no decision' has been made yet to decide if he could face the ultimate punishment.
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It is suggested that the 32-year-old slashed the throats of his parents in bed, with several sources suggesting that he had argued with his father at Conan O'Brien's Christmas party the night before, where he'd also been found to be acting strangely.
The father and son's strained relationship has been public knowledge for some time, as they even made a film together about Nick's struggles with drug addiction. Still, the news has left film fans across the world reeling, with Reiner responsible for directing iconic movies such as When Harry Met Sally and Stand By Me.
"This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones but for our entire city," LA Police chief Jim McDonnell said.
"We will continue to support the Reiner family and ensure that every step forward is taken with care, dignity and resolve."
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However, the comments of president Donald Trump have been far less complimentary when it comes to the film director, who he accused of having 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' in a frankly grim social media post.
It read: “A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS."
Topics: Celebrity News, Crime, US News
James Moorhouse