Nick Reiner made his first court appearance on Wednesday, briefly facing charges tied to the deaths of his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. The appearance lasted just minutes — and Nick spoke only once.
The 32-year-old appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court seated behind plexiglass in an enclosed area designated for people in custody. He wore a thick blue one-piece garment, a suicide prevention vest, and remained quiet throughout the hearing. When the judge asked if he was willing to waive his right to a speedy arraignment, Nick softly replied, “Yes, your honor.”
Nick did not enter a plea. His arraignment has been continued until January 7, 2026, and he is currently being held without bail.
Inside Nick Reiner’s First Court Appearance
Nick’s attorney, Alan Jackson, stood in front of him during the hearing, at times appearing to shield his client from the media seated in the courtroom. Jackson later told reporters outside the courthouse that the case is a “devastating tragedy” for the family and stressed that there are “very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case.”
He urged the public not to “rush to judgement” and declined to answer questions.
Jackson also told the court that it was “too early” to enter a plea, noting that he and prosecutors had already agreed to delay the arraignment until January. Nick’s appearance had originally been scheduled for the day prior but was postponed because he had not been medically cleared to be transferred from jail.
Jake and Romy Reiner Speak Out
Nick’s siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, released a statement Wednesday — their first public remarks since their parents’ deaths. They described the loss as “horrific and devastating” and asked that speculation be “tempered with compassion and humanity” as the case moves forward. The siblings also expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received from family, friends and strangers.
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 28: Honoree Rob Reiner poses with family at the 41st Annual Chaplin Award Gala at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on April 28, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
What Nick Reiner Is Facing
Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of his parents. Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead in the master bedroom of their Brentwood home, according to Los Angeles police. Authorities said information gathered early in the investigation led them to identify Nick as a person of interest before arresting him Sunday night.
In California, a single first-degree murder conviction typically carries a sentence of 25 years to life. However, prosecutors filed the charges with special circumstances — including committing multiple murders — meaning Nick could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office has not yet decided whether it will pursue capital punishment and noted that the family’s wishes would be considered.
“Prosecuting these cases involving family members are some of the most challenging and heart-wrenching cases that this office faces because of the intimate and often brutal nature of the crimes involved,” Hochman said.
Nick is also facing a special allegation of using a deadly weapon, which could add additional time to a sentence if he’s convicted of lesser charges.
