Nick Reiner, the son of actor and director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner, pleaded not guilty Monday to two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the December deaths of his parents, according to court records.
The arraignment took place in Los Angeles Superior Court, where Reiner’s public defender, Kimberly Greene, entered the plea on his behalf. Reiner, 32, was arrested shortly after his parents were found dead at their Brentwood home on December 14, 2025. He has been held without bail since then.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman indicated after the hearing that his office is considering seeking the death penalty in the case. “We take the process in which we determine whether or not the death penalty should be sought extremely seriously and it goes through a very rigorous process,” Hochman told reporters. He added that prosecutors are reviewing aggravating and mitigating circumstances and have invited the defense to present arguments.
The charges against Reiner include a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders, and the prosecution has stated that a knife was used as a deadly weapon. According to court documents, Reiner waived his right to a speedy preliminary hearing at the request of his attorney.
Reiner appeared in court with a shaved head, wearing brown jail clothing, and sat in a glass-enclosed custody area. He spoke only to confirm his understanding of the court’s scheduling order.
The case has undergone a recent change in legal representation. Alan Jackson, Reiner’s previous attorney, withdrew from the case last month, stating he felt he had “no choice” in the matter, according to reports. Jackson had previously represented high-profile clients including Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey.
The Reiner family released a statement through a representative, expressing their trust in the legal process and declining to comment further on the proceedings. Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 70, were well-known figures in the entertainment and philanthropic communities.
The next court date is scheduled for April 29, at which time a preliminary hearing date will be set. At a preliminary hearing, prosecutors will present evidence to determine if there is sufficient cause to proceed to trial.
