Rob and Michele Reiner Homicide: Son Pleads Not Guilty

Nicholas Reiner, the son of filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his parents. The couple was found dead at their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on December 14, 2025.

Details of the Case

Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were discovered with multiple sharp force injuries at their residence by paramedics responding to a call around 3:40 p.m. Authorities determined the killings occurred in the early morning hours. Nicholas Reiner, 32, was arrested later that day, around 9:15 p.m., in the Exposition Park area, approximately 15 miles from the crime scene. Security footage captured his arrest by Los Angeles police.

Legal Proceedings

Reiner appeared in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday, February 16, 2026, dressed in beige clothing with a shaved head. He waived his right to a speedy trial. The arraignment had been previously scheduled for January 7 but was postponed following the withdrawal of his initial defense attorney, Alan Jackson. Kimberly Greene, a Los Angeles County Public Defender, subsequently requested the postponement.

Background

Rob Reiner is a well-known American actor, director, and political activist, responsible for films such as This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, Stand by Me, and A Few Good Men. [1] Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer, producer, and advocate for LGBTQ rights. [2] The couple had been married since 1989 and had three children. Rob Reiner also has an adopted daughter, Tracy, from a previous marriage with Penny Marshall. [1]

About Nicholas Reiner

Born on September 14, 1993, Nicholas Reiner is the second of three children. He has an older brother, Jake, and a younger sister, Romy. [4][5] He attended Wildwood, a private school in West Los Angeles, and obtained a GED but did not pursue a college degree. [6] Prior to his arrest, Reiner had publicly discussed his struggles with substance abuse, including periods in and out of treatment. [8]

Charges and Potential Penalties

Nicholas Reiner is charged with two counts of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of multiple homicides, as well as a charge of using a deadly weapon – a knife. These special allegations and circumstances could increase the potential penalty upon conviction.

Ongoing Investigation

The case against Nicholas Reiner is ongoing. His former attorney, Alan Jackson, cited legal and ethical obligations as reasons for withdrawing from the case, stating he remained committed to Reiner’s best interests.