Nick Reiner has appeared in court in chains, since the 32 year old’s murder charges in connection with the deaths of his parents , Michele and Rob Reiner. Court drawings seen by the Express depict Nick restrained with shackles on both hands and feet, dressed in a suicide prevention smock worn over his bare chest.

The judge prohibited video recording of Nick within the Los Angeles courtroom. Nick remained largely silent throughout the proceedings, responding only with “Yes, your honor,” when the judge enquired whether he comprehended his entitlement to a swift trial. He chose not to enter a plea at this stage, with his subsequent court date scheduled for 7 January.

Rob and Michele’s bodies were discovered at their residence by their daughter, Romy, who had gone to check on them after they failed to answer the door for a pre-arranged massage booking. Emergency services were immediately contacted, and both individuals were declared deceased at the property.

Both victims exhibited rigor mortis, the post-mortem stiffening of muscles. Given that rigor mortis typically develops between two and six hours following death, it indicated the couple had been deceased for a considerable period.

They sustained stab wounds and their throats were allegedly slashed.

Nick has previously spoken openly about his battles with addiction. During his teenage years, from 15 to 19, he underwent treatment at rehabilitation centres on 18 separate occasions.

In 2016, Nick teamed up with his father to create the film Being Charlie, with Nick penning the script and Rob taking on directorial duties. The semi-autobiographical film centres around the protagonist, Charlie (played by Nick Robinson), grappling with addiction and homelessness.

It also explores the relationship between Charlie and his father (portrayed by Cary Elwes), potentially reflecting Nick and Rob’s own dynamic during that challenging period.

Both Nick and Rob have expressed that collaborating on the film was a therapeutic process. Rob and Michele openly admitted to their missteps while Nick was undergoing rehabilitation.

Rob confessed in an LA Times interview: “When Nick would tell us that it wasn’t working for him, we wouldn’t listen. We were desperate, and because the people had diplomas on their wall, we listened to them when we should have been listening to our son.”

Michele chimed in, saying: “We were so influenced by these people. They would tell us he’s a liar, that he was trying to manipulate us. And we believed them.”

In court, Nick is represented by lawyer Alan Jackson, known for his involvement in high-profile cases. His previous clients include Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey.

Most recently, he defended Karen Read, a woman accused of murdering her boyfriend in 2022, who was subsequently acquitted.