Nick Reiner Indicted on Murder Charges in Parents’ Deaths

Nick Reiner faces murder charges following the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, in their Brentwood home last December. He pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, with additional allegations of committing multiple murders and murder by lying in wait, according to Los Angeles County officials.

The court arraignment took place on a Wednesday in the Criminal Courts Building in downtown Los Angeles. Reiner, aged 32, appeared in court to respond to these new charges, which replace the original murder case filed in 2025. The indictment, made last month, includes a special circumstance of lying in wait, potentially impacting the trial’s sentencing phase.

This crime represented a profound betrayal by someone loved and trusted. This accusation comes from the District Attorney of Los Angeles County, Nathan J. Hochman. Reiner’s defense lawyer, Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, chose not to comment following the arraignment.

The case accelerates toward a jury trial, removing the necessity for a public preliminary hearing, previously anticipated for the fall. Nick Reiner’s additional charges include the personal use of a knife, per the District Attorney. Arrested on December 15, he remains in custody without bail. He returns to court for another hearing on September 15.

If found guilty, Reiner could face a death sentence or life imprisonment without parole. The decision on pursuing the death penalty will occur later, according to the District Attorney.

The deaths of Rob Reiner, age 78, a renowned director who produced films such as “When Harry Met Sally…,” “A Few Good Men,” and “This Is Spinal Tap,” alongside Michele Reiner, age 70, a photographer and producer, shocked Hollywood. Tributes poured in from entertainment industry peers and political figures.

The Reiner family publicly addressed their struggles with Nick, including his battle with drug addiction. In September, they attended the Los Angeles premiere of “Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues.”

Nick Reiner has spoken about his lifelong struggles with drug addiction, starting in his teenage years. During a 2016 interview with People, he shared experiences of cycling in and out of treatment centers, homelessness, and recurrent relapses.