Nick Reiner Charged With Murder of Parents Rob and Michele Reiner

Los Angeles prosecutors have charged Nick Reiner with murdering his parents, legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, after the couple were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home.

Nick Reiner, 32, is facing two counts of first-degree murder along with a special circumstance alleging multiple murders. Prosecutors also allege he used a knife in the killings. If convicted, he could receive life in prison without parole or the death penalty, though District Attorney Nathan Hochman said there has been “no decision” on whether capital punishment will be sought in this case.

The bodies of Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 70, were discovered on Sunday. Police arrested their son later that night without incident at a park near the University of Southern California, several miles from the family home. Investigators have not publicly identified a motive, and authorities said further details, including whether the murder weapon was recovered, will be addressed in court. Authorities have confirmed that autopsies of both Rob and Michele will be conducted to determine the exact cause and timing of their deaths.

“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for the entire city,” Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said. “We extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Reiner has not yet entered a plea. His initial court appearance was delayed because at the time of the initial court date he had not been medically cleared to appear in court, and prosecutors have said that his arraignment will take place at a later date.

Hochman described the case as especially difficult, saying, “Prosecuting cases involving family violence are some of the most challenging and heart-wrenching we face because of the intimate and often brutal nature of the crimes.” He added, “We owe it to their memory to pursue justice and accountability for the lives that were taken.”

The case has drawn intense public attention given Rob Reiner’s towering Hollywood legacy. He directed a wide range of acclaimed films, including This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, Stand by Me, Misery and A Few Good Men. Michele Reiner was an actress, photographer and producer, and later founded Reiner Light, a photography and production company.

Friends and collaborators shared a joint tribute remembering the couple as “a special force together-dynamic, unselfish and inspiring.” The statement praised Rob Reiner’s range as a filmmaker and noted that he and Michele devoted much of their lives to public causes. “We were their friends, and we will miss them forever.”

Reports have also surfaced that Nick Reiner was involved in an incident with his parents at a party hosted by Conan O’Brien the night before the killings, with sources saying the couple were concerned about his behavior and health. Reiner has previously spoken publicly about long-term struggles with substance abuse, though officials have not said whether drugs or alcohol played any role in this case.

As the legal process moves forward, prosecutors said they will consider the wishes of surviving family members when weighing possible punishment. “Their loss is beyond tragic,” Hochman said. “We will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice.”