Los Angeles, February 23, 2026 — In a brief but highly anticipated courtroom appearance, Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder. The charges stem from the brutal stabbing deaths of his parents, which occurred in their affluent Brentwood home in December last year.
The hearing took place Monday morning in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom, where Reiner appeared behind glass in a custody enclosure, dressed in brown jail attire with his head shaved. His newly assigned public defender, Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, entered the not guilty pleas on his behalf. Reiner himself spoke minimally, mainly to confirm his waiver of a speedy trial right. No bail was set, and he remains in custody.
The case has gripped public attention due to the prominence of the victims. Rob Reiner, 78 at the time of his death, was a legendary director, actor, and producer known for iconic films such as This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally…, A Few Good Men, and Stand by Me. Michele Singer Reiner, 70, was a respected photographer and producer who collaborated with her husband on various projects. The couple was discovered deceased on December 14, 2025, by their daughter, having suffered multiple stab wounds.
Authorities arrested Nick Reiner the same day as the discovery, around 9:15 p.m., in the Exposition Park area of Los Angeles—approximately 15 miles from the family home. Prosecutors have filed the charges with special circumstances, including multiple murders and the alleged use of a dangerous and deadly weapon. These enhancements could make Reiner eligible for the death penalty if convicted.
Details about the motive or circumstances leading to the alleged crime remain limited, as the investigation continues. Reports have noted that Nick Reiner had previously struggled with mental health issues and substance abuse, though no confirmation emerged during Monday’s hearing on whether these factors will play a role in the defense strategy. Legal experts suggest the plea marks the beginning of what could be a protracted legal battle, potentially involving questions of intent, mental state, and diminished capacity.
The courtroom was packed with media representatives, reflecting the intense interest in a case that intertwines Hollywood legacy with tragedy. Reiner’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 29, where further proceedings are expected to unfold.
Friends, colleagues, and fans of the Reiner family expressed profound shock when the news first broke in December. Tributes poured in for Rob and Michele, highlighting their contributions to film and philanthropy. The developments have left the entertainment community reeling, as the family grapples with unimaginable loss and now a high-profile criminal trial.
As the case progresses, it underscores the complexities of familial relationships, mental health challenges, and the pursuit of justice in one of the most scrutinized cases of the year.