Nick Reiner Charged with First-Degree Murder in Deaths of Parents Rob and Michele Reiner

Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of acclaimed Hollywood director Rob Reiner, has been formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of his parents at their Brentwood home. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges at a Tuesday news conference, alongside LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell. The charges include special circumstances alleging multiple murders and a special allegation that Nick Reiner used a dangerous and deadly weapon—specifically, a knife. Rob Reiner, 78, the celebrated actor and director known for films like "When Harry Met Sally" and "A Few Good Men," and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, a photographer, were found dead Sunday in the master bedroom of their Los Angeles-area residence. Both victims had suffered fatal stab wounds, according to sources close to the family. The couple's bodies were reportedly discovered by Nick's sister on Sunday evening. Nick Reiner was arrested hours later on suspicion of murder and has been held without bail since Sunday evening. "Rob Reiner was one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation. His murder and his wife of more than 35 years, Michele Singer Reiner's murder, are shocking and tragic," Hochman said in a press release. "We owe it to their memory to pursue justice and accountability for the lives that were taken." The charges carry severe penalties. If convicted, Nick Reiner could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. However, Hochman emphasized that no decision has been made regarding whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty. "No decision at this point has been made with respect to the death penalty," Hochman stated during the press conference. "These are some of the most serious charges a DA's office can bring against anybody." Nick Reiner was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning but had not been "medically cleared" to do so, according to his attorney Alan Jackson. Hochman said Nick will be brought to court to formally face charges and enter a plea after he is medically cleared by prison officials. The special circumstances allegation elevates the murder charges to a more severe level, as it involves multiple victims. The additional allegation regarding the use of a knife as a dangerous weapon could also impact sentencing if Nick is convicted. "Their loss is beyond tragic and we will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice," Hochman said during the announcement. The case has shocked both Hollywood and Democratic political circles, where Rob and Michele Reiner were widely beloved figures. Rob Reiner was not only known for his directing work but also as a prominent Democratic Party supporter and activist. Given the gravity of the charges, Hochman expects the discovery process for the defense to be extensive and complex. He noted that while these are serious charges, they represent accusations at this stage and not evidence, with a court trial to follow in due course. The tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, where Rob Reiner was considered one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation, having directed numerous acclaimed films and served as an actor on "All in the Family." Nick Reiner remains in custody without bail as the legal proceedings move forward. The case represents one of the most high-profile family violence cases in recent Los Angeles County history.