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Los Angeles, CA – Nick Reiner, the son of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, pleaded not guilty this morning to two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his parents. The Reiners were found dead at their Brentwood home on December 14, 2025, from multiple sharp force injuries, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s initial findings.
The plea was entered by Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene on behalf of Reiner, 32, during a court appearance in Los Angeles. He remains held without bail. The case has drawn significant attention, not only due to the prominence of the victims but also the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime and the subsequent legal proceedings.
Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were discovered deceased at their residence after their daughter alerted authorities. Rob Reiner is celebrated for directing iconic films such as This is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, and When Harry Met Sally…, the latter of which is where he met his wife, Michele Singer. Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer, producer, and founder of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company, as reported by the BBC.
Nick Reiner appeared in court wearing brown jail clothes and with a shaved head. He briefly spoke with his attorney before the hearing and only responded “yes” when directly addressed by the judge. He was not wearing a suicide prevention smock, unlike a previous court appearance in December.
Previous Legal Representation and Investigation
The legal landscape of the case shifted in January when high-profile attorney Alan Jackson withdrew from representing Nick Reiner, citing ethical concerns that prevented him from disclosing the reasons for his departure. Outside the courthouse, Jackson stated, “pursuant to the laws of California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder,” following what he described as weeks of intensive investigation. He also expressed a desire to counter what he termed “false reporting” surrounding the case.
It remains unclear who initially retained Jackson or funded his legal services, as defendants typically rely on public defenders if they cannot afford private counsel.
Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian informed the court that the prosecution is still awaiting the complete autopsy report but has turned over all other available evidence to the defense. The judge scheduled a preliminary hearing for April 29, where prosecutors will present evidence to determine if there is sufficient cause to proceed to trial.
Background and Prior Struggles
According to Wikipedia, Nick Reiner was born on September 14, 1993, and is one of Rob Reiner’s four children. He attended Wildwood, a private school in West Los Angeles, and obtained a GED but did not pursue higher education. Prior to his arrest, Reiner had publicly discussed his long-term struggles with substance abuse, including periods in and out of treatment.
Authorities have not released any information regarding a potential motive for the killings. Reports vary regarding an alleged argument between Nick Reiner and his father the night before their deaths, but the severity of the dispute remains unconfirmed.
Michele and Rob Reiner in 2016
What’s Next in the Case
The upcoming preliminary hearing on April 29 will be a crucial step in the legal process. Prosecutors will need to present enough evidence to convince a judge that there is probable cause to believe Nick Reiner committed the murders. The case is expected to draw continued media scrutiny as it progresses. A conviction on the charges of first-degree murder with special circumstances could result in a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or, potentially, the death penalty.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
