Rob Reiner’s Son Nick Makes Brief Appearance in Court, Arraignment Pushed to January

Nick Reiner made his first court appearance in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Dec. 17, facing allegations that he killed his parents — director Rob Reiner and photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner.

Reiner, wearing a blue sleeveless vest and shackles, sat behind glass and stared ahead as his attorney, Alan Jackson, declined to enter a plea. The arraignment is scheduled to continue on Jan. 7.

The appearance followed a canceled hearing the day before, after Reiner was not medically cleared to appear, Jackson had told reporters outside Los Angeles Superior Court.

Reiner, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors have indicated they intend to seek an enhanced sentence based on a special circumstance allegation involving multiple murders, as well as an allegation that a “dangerous and deadly” weapon — such as a knife — was used, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty. He is being held without bail.

Police said Reiner was arrested without incident near the University of Southern California campus about six hours after Rob, 78, and Michele, 70, were found dead inside their Brentwood, Los Angeles, home on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Their daughter, Romy Reiner, 27, discovered her father’s body that day after a massage therapist was unable to access the property, The New York Times reported. She reportedly fled the home, not realizing her mother was also dead inside, and later learned of her mother’s death from a paramedic, the outlet reported, citing a source close to the family.

Authorities have not publicly identified a motive or explained why Reiner was not at the home when he was taken into custody.

Newly released surveillance video obtained by ABC7 Eyewitness News shows Reiner at a gas station shortly before his arrest. In the footage, he is seen wearing a green, white, and black tracksuit jacket, a black cap, and carrying a red backpack.

Reiner has previously spoken publicly about struggles with addiction and homelessness beginning in his teens. He is one of three children the couple shared.

Rob and Michele married in 1989 after meeting while he was directing When Harry Met Sally… Rob went on to direct films including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, and The Princess Bride, while Michele worked as a photographer and producer.

In a statement shared with Variety following the deaths, the family said, “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”