Nick Reiner Arrested on First‑Degree Murder Charges in Parents’ Brentwood Deaths

Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested on Monday for the murders of his parents, Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 68, whose bodies were discovered Sunday inside their Brentwood home. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed two counts of first‑degree murder, a special circumstances allegation of multiple murders, and an allegation that a knife was used.

Court Appearance and Plea

Reiner made a brief appearance in court Wednesday but did not enter a plea. His attorney, Alan Jackson, told the judge that it was “too early” to enter a guilty or not guilty plea and agreed to delay the arraignment until January 7, 2026. During the short hearing, Reiner, shackled and wearing a jail suicide prevention smock, answered only with a simple “yes, your honor” when Judge Theresa McGonigle asked if he understood his right to a speedy trial.

Jackson addressed reporters outside the courthouse, saying the case involved “very complex and serious issues” that required careful examination. He urged the public and media not to “rush to judgment,” adding: “We ask that during this process, you allow the system to move forward in the way that it was designed, to move forward, not with the rush to judgment, not with jumping to conclusions, but with restraint and with dignity and with the respect that this system and this process deserves and that the family deserves.”

DA’s Statement and Charges

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges at a news conference with Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Hochman said, “Their loss is beyond tragic and we will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice.” He explained that the special circumstances elevate the charge to a more severe level, potentially allowing for a death sentence if capital punishment is pursued. Hochman noted that the decision to seek the death penalty would be made later.

The indictment lists two counts of first‑degree murder, a special circumstances count for multiple murders, and an allegation that a knife was used. Authorities say the killings occurred sometime early Sunday morning. Reiner was arrested hours later in Exposition Park, south of downtown Los Angeles and about 15 miles southeast of Brentwood.

Family’s Reaction

Rob and Michele Reiner’s children—Nick, Jake (34), and Romy (28)—released a joint statement on Wednesday. They wrote: “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day. The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends. We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life. We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.”

A source close to Reiner confirmed to NBC News that he and his wife had apparent stab wounds. The medical examiner has not released an official cause of death. The family’s distress was compounded by earlier reports that Rob and Nick had been upset and embarrassed by Nick’s behavior at a Conan O’Brien party, and they had expressed worries about his health just hours before the tragedy.

Background on Nick Reiner

Nick Reiner’s struggles with drug addiction have been well documented. In a 2016 interview with People, he described cycling in and out of treatment facilities and periods of homelessness: “I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun,” he said. “If I wanted to do it my way and not go to the programs they were suggesting, then I had to be homeless.”

In 2015, Rob and Nick collaborated on the coming‑of‑age film Being Charlie, directed by Rob and co‑written by Nick. In a 2016 Associated Press interview, Rob reflected on the project: “It forced us to understand ourselves better than we had,” he said. “I told Nick while we were making it, I said, ‘You know it doesn’t matter, whatever happens to this thing, we have already won. This has already been good.’ We’ve worked through a lot of stuff.”

The family appeared together at the Los Angeles premiere of Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues in September, a moment that was later eclipsed by the shocking deaths.

Key Takeaways

• Nick Reiner, 32, faces two counts of first‑degree murder, a special circumstances multiple‑murder charge, and a knife‑use allegation.
• The arraignment is postponed until January 7, 2026, with Reiner currently in custody.
• The DA cites potential for a death penalty, pending future decision.

The tragic deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner have left Hollywood and the broader community stunned, prompting widespread tributes and a plea for privacy from the surviving siblings.