Nick Reiner, son of renowned film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, has been formally charged with their murders. The 32-year-old faces two counts of first-degree murder after Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, were discovered stabbed to death in their Brentwood, Los Angeles residence on December 14.
Nick was scheduled for arraignment on January 7, 2026, but appeared briefly in court on December 17 wearing a suicide prevention vest. He only responded with “yes, your honour” when confirming the arraignment date and did not enter a plea. His absence from the December 16 court appearance was attributed to unspecified health reasons, according to his lawyer Alan Jackson, who emphasized the case’s complexity and procedural status.
Jackson, notable for previously representing Hollywood figures Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, declined further comment, stating the next significant court event will be the January arraignment.
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Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed the charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty, though no decision has been made on pursuing capital punishment.
Rob Reiner was a celebrated filmmaker whose career spanned decades. His acclaimed works include cult classic This Is Spinal Tap, courtroom drama A Few Good Men, romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, and fantasy favorite The Princess Bride.
Nick collaborated with his father on the 2016 drama Being Charlie, inspired in part by his struggles with addiction and rehab experiences. Co-written by Nick and directed by Rob, the film explores the journey of a young man battling substance abuse—themes reflecting Nick’s own turbulent past, including periods of homelessness and rehab refusal.
The Reiners’ friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry, including Billy Crystal, Albert Brooks, Martin Short, Larry David, and Barry Levinson, issued a heartfelt statement. They praised Rob and Michele as “a special force together—dynamic, unselfish, and inspiring,” highlighting their lifelong dedication to both filmmaking and civic causes.
Tributes have poured in from prominent figures such as former President Barack Obama, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and musician Sir Elton John. Former First Lady Michelle Obama described the couple as “some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know” and revealed she and her husband had planned to visit them the night they were killed.
The case continues to draw widespread attention amid ongoing legal proceedings and public mourning.