Nick Reiner Pleads Not Guilty In Killing Of Rob And Michele Reiner
Son of director Rob Reiner pleaded not guilty to two first-degree murder counts after his parents were found stabbed on Dec. 14; prosecutors are weighing the death penalty.
Overview
Nick Reiner, 32, pleaded not guilty on Monday at a Los Angeles arraignment to two counts of first-degree murder after his new attorney Kimberly Greene entered the plea on his behalf.
Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were found dead on Dec. 14 at their Brentwood home from "multiple sharp force injuries," the LA County medical examiner said.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors are reviewing whether to seek the death penalty and are awaiting the coroner's report, and that most evidence has been turned over to the defense.
Reiner faces two counts of first-degree murder with special allegations of multiple murders and use of a knife, and could face the death penalty or life without parole if convicted.
Judge Theresa McGonigle set the next hearing for April 29 to schedule a preliminary hearing, and the court ordered that Reiner remain held without bail.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this as straightforward, fact-focused breaking news, emphasizing verified details (charges, arraignment, medical examiner ruling) while noting family statements and biographical context. Language is restrained, quotes are clearly labeled as source content, and the piece avoids evaluative adjectives or speculative claims, supporting a neutral tone.
Sources (11)
FAQ
Rob and Michele Reiner were fatally stabbed in the early morning hours of December 14, 2025, at their Brentwood home. Their bodies were discovered in the master bedroom approximately 12 hours later by their daughter. Nick Reiner was arrested near a South Los Angeles gas station later that night. Due to procedural delays, his arraignment did not occur until Monday, February 23, 2026, more than two months after the killings, when he pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder.
If convicted of the two first-degree murder counts with special allegations of multiple murders and use of a knife, Nick Reiner could face either the death penalty or life without parole.[2] The Los Angeles County District Attorney is currently reviewing whether to seek the death penalty and is awaiting the coroner's report to make this determination.[2]
Authorities have disclosed no official motive in the killings. However, reports have surfaced that Nick Reiner and his parents got into an argument at a party not long before the slayings.[1] Nick Reiner has been held without bail since his arrest, and his former private attorney Alan Jackson stepped down from the case citing reasons that ethics prevented him from revealing.[2]
Judge Sam Ohta (with Judge Theresa McGonigle having set the initial date) scheduled the next court appearance for April 29, 2026, when a preliminary hearing will be scheduled.[1][2] At the preliminary hearing, prosecutors will present evidence and a judge will decide whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Nick Reiner remains held without bail.[2]
Nick Reiner's new lead attorney, Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, has not disclosed how, or if, his mental health struggles or addiction issues will factor into the proceedings. It remains unclear whether Reiner will seek an insanity defense.[1]
History
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