Nick Reiner Indicted on Charges Related to Parents’ Murder

Nick Reiner has been charged with the murder of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, following a deadly stabbing in their Brentwood home last December. During a recent court appearance, Reiner, 32, pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder. These charges include special circumstances of multiple murders and murder by lying in wait, according to officials from Los Angeles County.

In the Criminal Courts Building in downtown Los Angeles, Reiner was brought before a judge on the 13th floor to respond to these new charges, which replace the original murder case filed in 2025. The indictment, issued last month, introduces the special circumstance of lying in wait.

This was a profound betrayal by someone who was loved and trusted by the very people he is accused of killing.” – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman

The special circumstances mentioned in the charges could lead to increased penalties during the trial’s sentencing phase. Reiner’s support team includes L.A. Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, though she has chosen not to comment post-arraignment.

This indictment propels the case towards a jury trial, eliminating the need for a public preliminary hearing, which was originally expected in the fall. Besides murder charges, Reiner faces an allegation of using a deadly weapon, specifically a knife, as stated by the District Attorney (DA).

Reiner, who remains in custody with no bail set, was arrested on December 15, the day after his parents were found dead in their bedroom. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 15. If convicted, Reiner could face the death penalty or life imprisonment without the option of parole. The DA has yet to determine if the death penalty will be pursued.

Rob Reiner, aged 78, known for directing films like “When Harry Met Sally…,” “A Few Good Men,” and “This Is Spinal Tap,” and Michele Reiner, aged 70, a photographer and producer, were both well-regarded figures in Hollywood. Their deaths shocked the entertainment industry, prompting numerous tributes from colleagues and public figures.

The Reiner family’s difficulties with Nick’s drug addiction have been publicly documented over time. In September, they were seen together at the Los Angeles premiere of “Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues.” Nick Reiner has openly discussed his addiction struggles that started during his teenage years. In a 2016 interview with People magazine, he mentioned periods of homelessness and multiple treatments.