Nick Reiner pleads not guilty to murdering parents

David Matthews, New York Daily News on Feb 23, 2026

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Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty Monday to murder in the killing of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, last year.

Deputy public defender Kimberly Greene entered the plea as Reiner, wearing a tan jumpsuit, stood behind glass in the custody area of the Los Angeles courtroom.

Reiner, 32, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with the special circumstance of multiple murders, after the actor-director and his wife of 36 years were found dead with stab wounds on Dec. 14 at their Brentwood home.

He also faces a special allegation that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon, a knife.

Reiner has been held without bail since his arrest later that day, hours after his parents’ bodies were discovered.

Judge Theresa McGonigle ordered Reiner to return to court on April 29 for a preliminary hearing where prosecutors will present evidence and a judge will decide if the case will go to trial.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman once again said his office is still weighing whether or not to seek the death penalty for Reiner.

Alan Jackson, Reiner’s previous attorney, withdrew from the case before a previously scheduled arraignment in January citing “circumstances beyond our control, but more importantly circumstances beyond Nick’s control.”

He said he could not elaborate on those circumstances because of legal ethics, but declared “pursuant to the laws of California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder.” It’s unclear who hired the high-profile lawyer, whose previous clients include Karen Read, Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein. During a previous stint as a prosecutor, Jackson secured a murder conviction for music producer Phil Spector.

Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, died from “multiple sharp force injuries,” the Los Angeles County medical examiner declared. However, a full autopsy report has not been finished.

Authorities have not released any information about possible motive, but the defense may argue Reiner is not mentally fit to stand trial.

Rob Reiner was a prolific director, known for hits like “This Is Spinal Tap,” “Misery” “A Few Good Men” and “When Harry Met Sally.” Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer and film producer.

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