Megyn Kelly floats Menendez-style defense for Nick Reiner in parents’ murder case

Megyn Kelly on her SiriusXM show Wednesday floated a hypothetical defense strategy for Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of filmmaker Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, who is charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances in the Brentwood killings. Kelly described the idea as an out-of-left-field prediction and stressed she was not alleging abuse by Rob Reiner or accusing him of wrongdoing.

Kelly drew a parallel to the high-profile Menendez brothers case, where Lyle and Erik Menendez claimed years of sexual abuse by their father before killing their parents in Beverly Hills. She discussed how a defense might frame a theory around alleged lifelong abuse and resulting trauma, a line she described as something a California jury could weigh in a case with strong prosecutorial evidence. Kelly emphasized she did not personally believe abuse occurred and that the argument would be a desperation tactic in a case that has drawn intense public attention.

She noted that a Menendez-style argument would hinge on explaining why the defendant was allegedly affected from a young age and how that might influence behavior later in life, a line some defense attorneys pursue in cases perceived as unwinnable. Kelly framed the scenario as a hypothetical strategy rather than a claim against Rob Reiner, reiterating her view that she does not believe abuse occurred and that she was simply discussing how defense tactics can unfold in difficult cases.

Reiner's son Nick Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances in the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. Prosecutors say the killings involved the use of a knife and carry the possibility of life in prison without parole or the death penalty. He has remained in custody without bail after an arraignment was postponed.

Kelly cited reporting from the Daily Mail that described an on-set dynamic between Rob Reiner and Nick Reiner during the filming of a joint project, including accounts of tension and discomfort, with claims that some scenes were cut and that there were moments of hostility on set. She presented these details as context for how high-profile cases can feed public discourse around family dynamics and potential motives, not as verified conclusions about the Reiners.

TMZ reported that Nick Reiner checked into a Santa Monica hotel hours after the murders, with subsequent hotel staff observations describing a room where the shower appeared to be stained with blood and blood was found on the bed and mattress. Kelly referenced the report in discussing how investigators and observers weigh disparate and evolving pieces of information as a case unfolds, underscoring the high-strung atmosphere surrounding a high-profile murder investigation.

Nick Reiner's attorney, Alan Jackson, a veteran criminal defense lawyer, has represented several high-profile defendants, including Kevin Spacey, Harvey Weinstein and Karen Read. Kelly noted that defense lawyers of Jackson's stature tend to pursue aggressive, swing-for-the-fences strategies, particularly in cases with significant public attention.

The Post has sought comment from Jackson. Nick Reiner has not entered a plea, and his arraignment has been postponed as the case proceeds through the Los Angeles County court system.