Nick Reiner Charged With Two Counts of First-Degree Murder in Parents' Deaths

Nick Reiner, the son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of his parents, authorities said. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced the charges after the couple were found slain in their Los Angeles home over the weekend.

Reiner, described by investigators as the couple's younger son, was arrested Sunday night at a park near the University of Southern California in downtown Los Angeles, hours after authorities discovered the bodies. He appeared in court Wednesday for the first time and did not enter a plea. His attorney, Alan Jackson, said he sought to finish the arraignment on Jan. 7 so that he could review all the evidence involved in the case. When asked if he agreed to waive his right to a quick arraignment and delay it until January, Reiner replied, “Yes, your honor,” before leaving the courtroom. Jackson noted there were “very complex and serious issues associated with this case” that required time to review and urged the public not to rush to judgment.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said at a press conference Tuesday that no decision has been made on whether the death penalty will be pursued and that the office will consider the desires of the family in any decision. Hochman noted that the case could rise to the level of “special circumstances” due to the multiple murders and that Reiner will face a “special allegation” for the alleged use of a knife. Even if prosecutors pursue a conviction and the death penalty were imposed, California’s moratorium on executions would prevent any sentence from being carried out unless the policy changes with a future governor.

The timing of the killings remains uncertain. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said investigators are not yet sure whether Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 68, were killed Saturday night or Sunday, and that authorities are awaiting coroner results to determine time of death. The case has relied on a broad investigative effort that included the LAPD’s robbery-homicide unit, along with gang and narcotics detectives and a U.S. Marshals Service task force who located Nick Reiner and arrested him. Officials said information provided by family members could factor into the case as it moves through the court process, though they did not reveal specifics.

Nick Reiner's background has been publicly discussed in connection with his addiction and periods of homelessness, and investigators have noted that he had previously had arguments with his parents while dealing with substance-use issues. Authorities declined to say whether Reiner was under the influence at the time of custody. Jackson said medical clearance is required before transport to the courthouse, which has contributed to the timing of hearings.

Prosecutors Habib Balian and Jonathan Chung were named as the two attorneys assigned to the case. Balian, an assistant head deputy district attorney, has experience on high-profile matters, including work related to the Menendez case decades ago. Jake and Romy Reiner, Rob and Michele Reiner’s children, spoke publicly on Wednesday for the first time since their parents’ deaths, calling the loss “horrific and devastating” and describing their parents as “our best friends.” The couple's friends issued a joint statement through the Associated Press praising the Reiners’ public service and character.

Less than a day after the murders were disclosed, former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, criticizing Rob Reiner and tying the deaths to political commentary from the filmmaker. The post drew swift rebukes from Republicans and others who argued that violence against family members should be condemned regardless of political disagreements.