Nick Reiner, 32, son of director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday for arraignment. He faces two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his parents, who were found deceased on December 14 at their Los Angeles residence.
Incident Details
Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were discovered deceased in the primary bedroom of their Brentwood residence on December 14. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death for both was "multiple sharp force injuries" and ruled them homicides. Authorities allege Nick Reiner fatally stabbed his parents.
The night before their deaths, Mr. Reiner, who had resided on his parents' property, was reportedly involved in an argument with Rob Reiner at a holiday gathering. Witnesses observed Mr. Reiner exhibiting unusual behavior at this event. He was apprehended on December 14 without incident near the University of Southern California, hours after his parents' bodies were discovered.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Mr. Reiner is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The charges include special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and the use of a dangerous weapon. He is currently held without bail in a Los Angeles jail. Following an initial court appearance on December 17, Mr. Reiner waived his right to a speedy arraignment.
If convicted, Mr. Reiner could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. His attorney, Alan Jackson, has requested that the public refrain from premature judgments and allow the legal process to proceed, stating that the case involves "very complex and serious issues." Authorities have not publicly identified a motive for the incident.
Background Information
Nick Reiner has a documented history of drug addiction, having spoken about periods of homelessness and entering rehabilitation programs at age 15. These experiences reportedly inspired the 2016 film "Being Charlie," which he co-wrote and his father directed.
Sources indicate a reported history of mental illness, with individuals close to him reporting a decline in his mental health prior to the homicides. The Los Angeles Times reported he had been prescribed medication used to treat schizophrenia for an unspecified period before the deaths. He was recently removed from suicide watch and remains in solitary confinement, with medical professionals reportedly identifying a "mental disability."
Law enforcement and defense attorneys are reportedly examining Mr. Reiner's psychiatric and substance abuse history. California legal statutes permit defense teams to introduce mental health as a component of their defense, potentially through a "not guilty by reason of insanity" plea. Under California law, such a plea, if accepted by a jury, could lead to confinement in a state psychiatric hospital instead of a prison sentence, provided the mental illness predates any addiction.
Family and Victims' Background
Rob Reiner was known for his work as a director and actor, with credits including the television series "All in the Family" and films such as "This Is Spinal Tap," "Stand By Me," "When Harry Met Sally," and "The Princess Bride." Michele Singer Reiner was a producer and photographer, whose portfolio included a portrait of Donald Trump used for his book The Art of the Deal. Both were also recognized for their support of liberal causes.
Nick Reiner's siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, released a statement last month expressing profound grief over the loss of their parents. They acknowledged the support received and requested privacy, asking for speculation to be tempered with compassion, and for their parents to be remembered for their lives and the love they shared.