Nick Reiner Pleads Not Guilty In Brutal Murder of Parents Rob and Michele Reiner

Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty in a Los Angeles courtroom on February 23. He was charged with the murder of his parents, film director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner, who were killed in their Brentwood home in December 2025. Nick Reiner appeared in court with a shaved head and wearing a prison uniform, sat quietly and allowed his attorney to speak for most of the proceedings.

Nick Reiner, 32-year-old son of the couple, was arrested by authorities and charged with their murders. The case has drawn national attention because of the victims' Hollywood connections.

During the case proceedings on February 23, Reiner answered "Yes", when the judge asked whether he had waived his right to a speedy trial. A deputy district attorney said his office was still awaiting the full autopsy report. However, prosecutors have turned over all other evidence to the defense.

Reiner faces multiple felonies, including two counts of first-degree murder, the special circumstance of multiple murder and use of a deadly weapon. If convicted, Reiner will have to serve a life sentence without parole.

The arraignment was initially scheduled on January 2026, but was postponed after criminal defense attorney Alan Jackson asked to be removed from the case. Los Angeles County Public Defender, Kimberly Greene, then requested the arraignment be postponed till February 23.

After the minutes-long hearing on February 23, Reiner was ordered to return to court on April 29, when a decision will be made on whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. It is standard procedure to plead not guilty at this stage of the case. As Reiner was diagnosed with schizophrenia even before the killings, his mental health is expected to be central in the initial proceedings.

Authorities arrested Nick Reiner on December 14, 2025 at around 9:00 p.m., according to security camera footage. He was found around 15 miles away from his parents' home in Brentwood, where investigators said the killings occurred. The victim's had multiple sharp-wound injuries that authorities said may have caused their death. The bodies were discovered by their daughter who had come to check on them.

In 2015, Nick Reiner and Rob Reiner collaborated on the film "Being Charlie", directed by Rob Reiner and co-written by Nick Reiner. While discussing the film publicly, Rob Reiner said, "This project has forced us to understand ourselves better." The film explored the relationship between a father and son. Nick Reiner, who has publicly discussed struggles with addiction since his teenage years, spoke about his experience.

Rob Reiner was a celebrated Hollywood director whose films include "When Harry Met Sally, " " A Few Good Men, " and the "The Princess Bride." The tragic incident had shocked the nation because of the brutal nature of the murder.