In a highly publicised Los Angeles courtroom on Monday, 23 February 2026, Nick Reiner, son of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of his parents.
The 32-year-old appeared behind a glass partition in brown jail clothing during his arraignment before a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge. His plea was entered by Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, who now represents him after the abrupt withdrawal of his previous attorney. Reiner has been held without bail since his arrest hours after his parents were found dead at their Brentwood home on December 14, 2025.
Rob Reiner, 78, was celebrated for directing iconic films such as ‘Stand By Me’ and ‘When Harry Met Sally…’, whilst Michele Singer Reiner, 70, was known for her photography and creative work. The couple, married for nearly 37 years, were discovered in their residence with “multiple sharp force injuries”, according to preliminary findings by the Los Angeles County medical examiner.
Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed a motive for the killings, and the full autopsy report remains pending. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 29, when a judge will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Under California law, Reiner could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.
The case has captivated national attention due to the fame of the victims and the shocking nature of the crime. As proceedings continue, both legal and personal questions remain about the circumstances leading up to the deaths and the defence that Reiner’s team may present.
