> At a Glance
> – Nick Reiner, 32, appeared in court Jan. 7 charged with two counts of first-degree murder
> – His parents, director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner, were found dead Dec. 14
> – Defense attorney Alan Jackson withdrew, pushing the arraignment to Feb. 23
> Why it matters: The case could see the death penalty under special-circumstance allegations
Nick Reiner arrived in a khaki jumpsuit, his head newly shaved and hands cuffed, visibly emotional as the Jan. 7 hearing began. The brief court session ended with a new public defender assigned and the arraignment postponed.
Courtroom Events
Jackson’s withdrawal forced the court to reschedule. Reiner waived his right to proceed that day; the next hearing is set for Feb. 23.
Custody Status
- Suicide watch lifted by Jan. 5, per an L.A. County sheriff source
- Held in solitary confinement since his Dec. 15 arrest
- Previously wore a suicide-prevention smock for his Dec. 17 appearance
Background & Next Steps
The L.A. County Medical Examiner says both parents died of multiple sharp-force injuries. District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman is pursuing special-circumstance allegations, exposing Reiner to life without parole or capital punishment. Police records show officers visited the Brentwood home twice in 2019 for welfare checks while Nick lived there; media outlets report he had been receiving treatment for schizophrenia.
Key Takeaways
- Arraignment rescheduled to Feb. 23 after counsel change
- Special-circumstance charges raise stakes to possible death penalty
- Prior welfare checks and mental-health treatment reported
Reiner remains jailed as prosecutors prepare for the high-profile February hearing.
