The China Mail - Rob Reiner's son appears in court over parents' murder

In a very brief hearing thronged by media, Nick Reiner did not enter a plea on two counts of first-degree murder over a crime that has shocked the entertainment world.

The 32-year-old, who has a troubled history of addiction, is next expected to appear in court on January 7 for a formal arraignment.

Lawyer Alan Jackson told reporters outside the court the case needed to be treated with "restraint and with dignity."

"This is a devastating tragedy that has befallen the Reiner family," he said.

"There are very, very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case. These need to be thoroughly but very carefully dealt with and examined and looked at and analyzed."

If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

Reiner was arrested on Sunday after the bodies of his 78-year-old filmmaker father and mother, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were discovered at their home in the upmarket Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Prosecutors said Rob Reiner -- who directed huge hits including "When Harry Met Sally" and "A Few Good Men" -- and his wife were stabbed to death.

According to US media reports, Nick Reiner had argued with his parents at a glitzy Hollywood party hosted by Conan O'Brien the prior evening.

Entertainment outlet TMZ said the couple's daughter found the bodies on Sunday afternoon.

Rob Reiner, the son of legendary comedian Carl Reiner, started his showbiz career in acting.

He won fame as the oafish son-in-law Michael "Meathead" Stivic on groundbreaking 1970s sitcom "All in the Family," before transitioning to directing. Even while leading behind the camera, he often appeared in cameo roles in his own films.

As a director, he struck Hollywood gold.

His output included classic films like 1984's rock music mockumentary "This is Spinal Tap," fantasy gem "The Princess Bride" from 1987, and seminal coming-of-age movie "Stand By Me."

"A Few Good Men," starring Hollywood heavyweights Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson, earned an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

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