Rob Reiner’s Son Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charges in Parents’ Killing

Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of his parents in Los Angeles.

Reiner entered the plea on Monday through his attorney, Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, as he appeared in a packed Los Angeles courtroom, standing behind glass in an enclosed custody area. He has been held without bail since his arrest in December, hours after his parents Rob Reiner and his wife of 36 years, Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their home in the upscale Brentwood neighbourhood.

Now the third of four children of the actor-director, Reiner appeared in court with a shaved head and dressed in brown jail clothing. He spoke briefly with his lawyer before the hearing and answered only a single question from the judge. Unlike his first court appearance in December, he was not wearing a suicide-prevention smock.

The judge ordered Reiner to return to court on April 29 for the scheduling of a preliminary hearing, where prosecutors are expected to present evidence and a judge will determine whether the case should proceed to trial.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office has not yet decided whether it will seek the death penalty.

Reiner’s former private lawyer, Alan Jackson, withdrew from the case in January, citing circumstances beyond his control and ethical constraints that prevented him from providing details. He had insisted at the time that his client was not guilty under California law, following weeks of investigation by his legal team.

Prosecutors said they are still awaiting the full autopsy report, though other evidence has already been disclosed to the defence. Initial findings from the LA County Medical Examiner stated that Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, died from multiple sharp-force injuries. Authorities said they were killed hours before their bodies were discovered on December 14. A court order has restricted the release of further details, and no motive has been publicly disclosed.

Rob Reiner is best known for directing some of Hollywood’s most iconic films, including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, and When Harry Met Sally…, during whose production he met Michele Singer, whom he later married.

The case has drawn widespread attention in the United States, as investigations continue and the court process moves toward a potential trial.