Nick Reiner Pleads Not Guilty in Parents’ Murders

Nick Reiner, the son of filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, pleaded not guilty on Monday, February 17, 2026, to charges of murdering his parents, more than two months after they were found stabbed to death at their Los Angeles home.

Legal Proceedings and Background

The plea, entered in Los Angeles court, was a procedural step, with defense attorneys likely to further develop their strategy as the case progresses. The proceeding itself lasted only minutes. Nick Reiner faces two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, which could result in a sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty, though prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will seek the latter.

Alan Jackson, an initial attorney for Reiner, withdrew from the case in January following a discussion with the judge. Kimberly Greene, a public defender, has since been assigned to represent him.

The Crime and Investigation

Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were discovered dead in their Brentwood home on December 14, 2025, suffering from multiple sharp force injuries. Nick Reiner was arrested the same day. Authorities have released limited details regarding a potential motive, citing a protective order preventing the public release of investigative materials. Reports indicate Rob and Nick Reiner had an argument at a party the night before the murders, though the extent of the disagreement remains unclear.

Nick Reiner’s History

The New York Times reported that Nick Reiner has a history of mental illness, including diagnoses of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. He was placed under a year-long mental health conservatorship in 2020. Sources familiar with the situation stated he had been experiencing difficulties with medication changes in the weeks leading up to his arrest. Prior to his arrest, Reiner had publicly discussed his struggles with substance abuse, including periods in and out of treatment.

Prosecutor’s Statement

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman acknowledged the difficulty of prosecuting cases involving family members, describing them as “some of the most challenging and most heart-wrenching cases that our office faces.”

Nick Reiner is scheduled to next appear in court on April 29, 2026.