Nick Reiner Appears in Los Angeles Court, Arraignment Delayed to Jan 7
Updated (8 articles)
Charges and Special Circumstances Outline Potential Sentences Nick Reiner, 32, faces two counts of first‑degree murder for the stabbing deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, in their Brentwood home [1][4][8]. Prosecutors added special circumstances of multiple murders and use of a knife, which can increase the maximum penalty to life without parole or the death penalty [1][5][8]. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has not yet decided whether to seek capital punishment [1][4][7].
Court Appearance Details and Arraignment Postponement On Dec 17, 2025 Reiner made his first court appearance from behind a glass barrier, shackled and wearing a suicide‑prevention smock, and answered only “yes, your honor” when asked to set a date [1][2][3]. He entered no plea, and his defense counsel requested that the formal arraignment be moved to Jan 7, 2026 [1][2][3]. Reiner remains detained without bail pending the postponed hearing [1][4][5].
Arrest Location, Method, and Custody Conditions Police arrested Reiner hours after the killings in Exposition Park near the University of Southern California, roughly 14 miles from the Brentwood crime scene, and he did not resist arrest [1][2][4][7][8]. He was booked on suspicion of murder and placed in custody, where he continues to be held without bail [1][5][8]. Medical reasons delayed his initial court appearance, prompting a brief postponement [4][5][6].
Victim Background and Public Tributes The victims, Rob Reiner, 78, an Emmy‑winning actor‑director, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, a photographer and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, had been married for 36 years [4][5][7]. Their deaths prompted tributes from Hollywood figures such as Meg Ryan, Kathy Bates, and former President Bill Clinton, who highlighted the couple’s generosity and influence [1][4][7]. Family members Jake and Romy Reiner issued a joint statement requesting privacy [1].
Prosecutorial Statements and Ongoing Investigation District Attorney Nathan Hochman and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell announced the charges at a news conference, describing the loss as “beyond tragic” and pledging to bring the murderer to justice [2][3][4][7]. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, and the coroner’s report is pending to determine the exact time of the killings [8][6].
Sources
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1.
King5: Nick Reiner Appears in Los Angeles Court on Two Counts of First‑Degree Murder in Parents' Killings – Details Reiner’s courtroom appearance, shackles, suicide‑prevention smock, and postponed arraignment, plus family statements and Meg Ryan tribute .
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WBNS: Nick Reiner appears in court for first time in parents' murder case – Highlights first appearance, lack of plea, special circumstances, and prosecutor‑police press conference .
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King5: Nick Reiner appears in court in parents' murder case – Mirrors WBNS report with emphasis on custody glass wall and arraignment delay .
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WBNS: Nick Reiner charged with two counts of first-degree murder in killings of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner – Focuses on charge filing, death‑penalty uncertainty, and tributes from Kathy Bates and Bill Clinton .
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King5: Nick Reiner Charged With Two Counts of First‑Degree Murder in Parents' Killings – Provides charge details, arrest location, and background of the victims, noting Hollywood and political impact .
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The Hindu: Nick Reiner to be charged with two counts of first-degree murder in his parents' killings – Reports upcoming charge filing, special circumstances, and lack of disclosed motive .
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King5: Nick Reiner charged with two counts of murder in parents' killings – Summarizes charges, arrest details, and public tributes, stressing death‑penalty decision pending .
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CNN: Nick Reiner Charged with Two Counts of First‑Degree Murder in Parents’ Deaths – Adds investigation specifics, multi‑agency response, and background on Reiner’s personal history .
Timeline
2018 – In a podcast interview, Nick Reiner describes violent outbursts while under the influence, foreshadowing the later tragedy and highlighting his long‑standing drug‑addiction issues [1].
Dec 14, 2025 – Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, are discovered dead from apparent stab wounds in their Brentwood home, a shock that reverberates through Hollywood and Democratic circles [2].
Dec 16, 2025 – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman files two counts of first‑degree murder with special circumstances for multiple murders and knife use, announcing the charges at a news conference with LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell [4][8].
Dec 16, 2025 – Police arrest Nick Reiner in Exposition Park near the University of Southern California, hold him without bail, and note he does not resist; he remains medically unfit for transport to court [1][8].
Dec 16, 2025 – Prosecutors say they have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty, noting the family’s wishes will be considered in any sentencing decision [1][4].
Dec 16, 2025 – Public figures issue tributes: Kathy Bates calls Rob “brilliant and kind,” and former President Bill Clinton describes the couple as “good, generous people who inspired others” [4].
Dec 17, 2025 – Nick Reiner makes his first court appearance from behind a glass wall, shackled and wearing a suicide‑prevention smock; he answers only “yes, your honor” when the hearing date is set [3][6].
Dec 17, 2025 – The judge postpones Reiner’s arraignment to Jan 7, 2026, at his attorney’s request, and he does not enter a plea [3][5].
Dec 17, 2025 – Defense attorney Alan Jackson describes the case as “a devastating tragedy,” underscoring the emotional weight for the Reiner family [5].
Dec 17, 2025 – Siblings Jake and Romy Reiner release a joint statement asking for privacy and respect as they mourn their parents [5].
Dec 17, 2025 – Meg Ryan posts an Instagram tribute to Rob and Michele Reiner, reflecting the couple’s broad personal and professional impact [5].
Historical context – Rob Reiner, an Emmy‑winning actor‑director known for “All in the Family,” “When Harry Met Sally…,” and “The Princess Bride,” is also the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, situating the murders within a prominent Hollywood legacy [4].
External resources (9 links)
- https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightMovieSnackPodcast/videos/in-this-behind-the-scenes-interview-for-the-1986-film-stand-by-me-the-late-direc/874683165117434/ (cited 2 times)
- https://www.instagram.com/p/DSTEneTk1w1/?hl=en (cited 2 times)
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSSi1qEDg7g/?igsh=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA%3D%3D (cited 2 times)
- https://www.instagram.com/p/DSYB2NVEgnF/ (cited 1 times)