Rob Reiner's Son Nick Charged with First-Degree Murder in Parents' Deaths

The son of legendary Hollywood director Rob Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder after allegedly killing his parents in a shocking crime that has stunned the entertainment industry and political circles. Nick Reiner, 32, is accused of stabbing his father Rob Reiner, 78, and stepmother Michele Singer Reiner, 68, to death in their bedroom at the family's Brentwood home in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 14. The couple was discovered dead by their daughter, Romy Reiner, on Sunday afternoon. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges on Tuesday, stating that Nick Reiner faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or potentially the death penalty if convicted. The charges include a special allegation that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon—a knife. "If convicted as charged, Nick would face a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or potentially the death penalty," Hochman said at a press conference. The DA's office is still considering whether to seek the death penalty, though Governor Gavin Newsom currently has a moratorium on executions in California. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical aid request at the Brentwood home shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, where they found the elderly couple deceased. Nick Reiner was not at the home when his parents were discovered and was arrested several hours later near the University of Southern California on Sunday night. According to multiple reports, Nick and his father had a heated argument on Saturday evening at a Christmas party hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien, where Michele Reiner was also present. The confrontation reportedly occurred in the weeks following what sources describe as a potential relapse in Nick's long-standing battle with addiction. Nick Reiner has struggled with substance abuse since his teenage years, having been in and out of nine rehabilitation facilities by age 18. He had periods of homelessness and multiple relapses before achieving sobriety around 2015. His addiction struggles became the basis for the 2016 semi-autobiographical film "Being Charlie," which Rob Reiner directed and Nick co-wrote. The case has attracted high-profile legal representation, with Alan Jackson—the Los Angeles defense attorney who led Karen Read's defense team—representing Nick Reiner. Jackson told reporters that his client would not appear in court on Tuesday due to medical reasons, though he did not specify the nature of the medical issue. Nick Reiner is currently being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles. He was initially booked on $4 million bail before it was revoked. Rob Reiner was an Emmy-winning actor known for his role as Mike Stivic on the sitcom "All in the Family" before becoming a celebrated director of films including "When Harry Met Sally," "The Princess Bride," and "A Few Good Men." He was also a prominent liberal political activist. Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer and film producer. The family released a statement following the deaths: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic loss of Rob and Michele Reiner. They were beloved parents, grandparents, and pillars of their community." The case has shocked Hollywood and Democratic political circles, where both Rob and Michele Reiner were widely beloved figures. The investigation is being handled by the LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division, and prosecutors are still reviewing evidence to determine the full scope of charges.