Rob Reiner’s Son Nick Speaks in Court for First Time While Wearing Suicide Prevention Smock

Nick Reiner, charged with murdering his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, spoke publicly for the first time during a court appearance on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Reiner, 32, appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court wearing a blue anti-suicide smock and shackles. Seated behind glass, he stared ahead as his attorney, Alan Jackson, declined to enter a plea.

When the judge asked whether he was willing to waive his right to a speedy arraignment, Reiner answered, “Yes, your honor.” His arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2026.

After the hearing, Jackson told reporters the case involves significant unresolved questions.

“There are very, very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case,” Jackson said. “Those need to be thoroughly, but very carefully, dealt with and examined and looked at and analyzed.”

Prosecutors have charged Reiner with two counts of first-degree murder. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said it intends to seek enhanced sentencing based on special circumstances, including multiple murders, and alleges he used a “dangerous and deadly” weapon such as a knife.

If convicted, Reiner could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty. He is being held without bail.

Authorities said members of the Los Angeles Fire Department discovered Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, dead at their Brentwood home after 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, after being called to provide medical aid. About six hours later, police arrested Nick Reiner near the University of Southern California campus in connection with the deaths.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement that the couple were killed “in approximately the early morning hours” on Sunday.

A motive remains under investigation. Reiner has previously spoken publicly about struggles with addiction and homelessness beginning in his teens.

Rob and Michele Reiner—married since 1989—also share two other children, son Jake and daughter Romy. On Wednesday, they released a statement describing the loss of their parents as “something that no one should ever experience.”

“We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life,” the statement said. “We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.”