Nick Reiner is due back in court on January 7
ROB Reiner’s son wore an anti-suicide vest for his first court appearance after allegedly slaughtering his parents in their bed at their upscale home in Los Angeles.
Nick Reiner, 32, spoke his first words during the brief hearing after being charged with two counts of first-degree murder as prosecutors weighed the death penalty against him.
Sitting stony-faced in shackles, the 32-year-old simply responded ‘yes, your honor’ when asked if he wanted to waive his right to a speedy arraignment.
Reiner was wearing a blue suicide vest, generally given to inmates considered at risk of self-harm while in custody.
His lawyer, Alan Jackson, told the judge it was “too early” to enter a plea.
Outside court, Jackson later told reporters the case involves “complex and serious issues” that needed to be dealt with “thoroughly and carefully”.
He warned against rushing to judgment and said people should “have faith in the system.”
Jackson also called the case “a devastating tragedy that has befallen the Reiner family,” adding: “We all recognize that — our hearts go out to the entire Reiner family.”
Cause of Death Revealed
Prosecutors say Reiner killed actor-director Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, 68 at their upscale Brentwood Neighborhood on the west side of LA.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Rob and Michele died from “multiple sharp force injuries.”
The medical examiner also ruled the manner of death for both victims as homicide.
In California, a conviction on that single count can bring a life sentence, with the chance of parole after 25 years.
Police said Reiner was arrested hours later near Exposition Park by the University of Southern California and did not resist.
Prosecutors also added special circumstances of multiple murders and an allegation that a dangerous weapon — a knife — was used, which could increase potential punishment.
Timeline of Rob and Michele Reiner’s death
Rob Reiner and his wife of Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their Los Angeles home on December 14, 2025.
County District Attorney Nathan Hochman unveiled the charges at a news conference with LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell at his side.
“Their loss is beyond tragic, and we will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice,” Hochman said.
Hochman said his office has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.
Investigators have not disclosed a motive or released further details about what led up to the deaths.
Family Releases Statement
Two of the couple’s children, Jake and Romy, released a statement earlier this morning, TMZ reported.
“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day.”
“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,” they added.
Rob Reiner rose to fame as an Emmy-winning actor on All in the Family before becoming a hit filmmaker behind When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride, and he was long known for his outspoken liberal activism.
Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer, movie producer and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, and the couple had been married for 36 years.
A group of close friends — including Billy Crystal, Albert Brooks, Martin Short and Larry David — released a statement Tuesday night remembering the pair.
“They were a special force together, dynamic, unselfish and inspiring,” the statement said. “We were their friends, and we will miss them forever.”
