Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty on Monday to the murder of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, setting the stage for a lengthy legal process.
Reiner, 32, issued the plea as he faces two counts of first-degree murder. He has been held without bail in Los Angeles since his parents were found dead on Dec. 14, 2025. Reiner’s lawyer, deputy public defender Kimberly Greene, entered the plea on his behalf as he stood behind glass in a Los Angeles courtroom.
While his plea was delivered, Reiner appeared with a shaved head, not wearing the suicide prevention smock he wore during his first court appearance in December.
The judge ordered Reiner to return to court on April 29 to schedule the preliminary hearing, where prosecutors present evidence. After reviewing evidence, the judge will determine if a trial is necessary.
Reiner’s original attorney, Alan Jackson, stepped away from the case after the initial hearing because of what he called circumstances beyond his and his client’s control. He previously represented Karen Read, who was acquitted of the murder of her boyfriend in Massachusetts.
Prosecutors have not decided if they will seek the death penalty, and police have not specified a motive.
Famed film director Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, 70, were found dead at their home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles in December. They died from multiple stab wounds, according to a coroner’s report.
The couple was found by their daughter, Romy Reiner, who had reportedly warned that her brother was the likely murderer.
The night before their murder, the couple brought their son to comedian Conan O’Brien’s holiday party, with some reports saying they did so because they were scared to leave him alone.
Nick Reiner has a history of drug addiction, violence, and allegedly posed a physical threat to his family.
This is a breaking news story and has been updated.
