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A Los Angeles County grand jury has indicted Nick Reiner on murder charges in the fatal stabbing of his parents, director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner. Unsealed on August 12 following a not guilty plea, the indictment introduces a critical new allegation that Nick Reiner was lying in wait before attacking them.
The grand jury returned the indictment in secret on July 20, replacing earlier charges. The inclusion of the lying-in-wait allegation, alongside other special circumstances, elevates the severity of the legal proceedings. Consequently, the 32-year-old defendant is now eligible for the death penalty, though prosecutors state they have not yet decided whether to pursue it.
The victims were found stabbed to death on December 14 inside their home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Authorities arrested Nick Reiner hours after the discovery. While the grand jury indictment allows prosecutors to bypass California's public preliminary hearing process, key details regarding the motive remain undisclosed to the public.
"This was a profound betrayal by someone who was loved and trusted by the very people he is accused of killing," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement. "We hope that by having a grand jury return an indictment in this case it will bring us one step closer to a trial and achieving justice."
The indictment also specifies that Nick Reiner used a knife in the killing. However, court orders have prevented the Los Angeles County chief medical examiner from releasing official autopsy reports.
Represented by the LA County Public Defender's Office, Nick Reiner is seeking access to funds from a trust created by his parents. Court filings indicate the trust contains at least $1.5 million in assets. Nick Reiner filed a petition arguing that trustees denied him access without legal justification, noting the funds were intended for him regardless of his parents' survival.
"Nick loved his parents, and he is devastated by their deaths. But the facts about what did and did not happen to them are not at issue," the petition states per NBC News. Reiner hopes to use the funds to rehire high-profile criminal defense attorney Alan Jackson, who initially represented him before Reiner's siblings would no longer agree to fund his legal defense.
Rob Reiner gained widespread recognition as an actor playing Michael "Meathead" Stivic on All in the Family before building a career as a director of films such as Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally and A Few Good Men.
He and Michele Singer Reiner were married for 36 years after meeting during the production of When Harry Met Sally and had three children together. Nick Reiner co-wrote the 2015 film Being Charlie with his father, drawing on his personal struggles with addiction and homelessness.
The situation has left the surviving family members deeply affected. In April, older brother Jake Reiner described the experience of losing his parents and having his brother at the center of the case as "a living nightmare" that was "too devastating to comprehend".
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Nick Reiner is seeking access to a $1.5 million trust fund created by his late parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, whom he has been accused of killing in December 2025.
The 32-year-old is currently in custody awaiting trial after being charged with two counts of first-degree murder for allegedly fatally stabbing his parents.
At his arraignment in Los Angeles County Superior Court on February 23, he entered a plea of "not guilty."
On Monday, June 8, Nick filed a petition requesting half of the trust, which he claims should have been distributed to him when he turned 30, with the remaining portion due at age 35. However, he claims the trustee has not released any of the funds yet.
According to court documents, "The terms of Nick's Trust are not complicated, and they are not subject to reasonable dispute."
The filing continues, "Nick's parents left unambiguous instructions about when the funds in the Trust were to be released to him. One-half of the Trust was required to be distributed to Nick outright when he turned 30. They further instructed that when he turned 35, he would receive the rest of the funds in his Trust. These distributions are mandatory and unconditional."
The petition also states that the trustee has raised "unsubstantiated 'concerns' about Nick's so-called competence to 'manage a trust.'"
It argues, "These distributions are non-discretionary," and adds that "The trust does not authorize the Trustee to condition these distribution points on any subjective assessment by the Trustee as to Nick's intended use of those funds."
Nick says he requires the funds to hire high-profile criminal defense attorney Alan Jackson, described as "one of the country's most sought-after criminal defense attorneys," who previously withdrew from the case in January "because the anticipated funding did not materialize." He is currently represented by a public defender.
The filing emphasizes the urgency, stating that "the stakes for Nick could not be higher." It also notes that he told the trustee, "Time is of the essence," explaining he needed Jackson’s representation to avoid "further jeopardizing my defense in the criminal matter."
The petition adds, "He has made clear to the Trustee that he wants – and needs – the funds in his own Trust to be released so that he can pay for his criminal defense," and further claims, "Nick has no other means – to pay for his legal expenses, or for his basic support needs while incarcerated." It also states that Jackson is "ready, willing and able" to resume representing him.
Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 70, died on December 14, 2025, from "multiple sharp force injuries" caused "with a knife, by another," according to their death certificates.
Nick was arrested the following day and has remained in custody without bail. His most recent court appearance was on April 29, when his preliminary hearing was postponed to September 15, 2026.
If found guilty, he faces the prospect of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
Nick Reiner’s defense attorney has provided a sobering explanation for why the 32-year-old did not appear in court following his arrest on suspicion of murdering his parents, legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner.
Speaking outside a Los Angeles courthouse on Tuesday morning, defense lawyer Alan Jackson confirmed he has been retained to represent Reiner and said his client is awaiting medical clearance before any court appearance can take place.
Jackson explained that Reiner’s absence from court was procedural rather than legal, noting that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department requires medical evaluations for certain inmates before they can be formally presented before a judge.
“He’s waiting for medical clearance,” Jackson said, via NBC Los Angeles, adding that such screenings are routine for new bookings or individuals remanded into custody.
When asked how his client was doing, Jackson said he remained hopeful Reiner would be cleared to appear later this week. Reiner was still being held without bail Tuesday morning.
Nick Reiner has been accused of allegedly murdering his parents. Credit: Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images.
While Reiner awaited medical screening, prosecutors announced early Tuesday afternoon that they intend to file first-degree murder charges against him. Reiner was arrested Monday in connection with the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 68.
Their bodies were discovered Sunday afternoon inside their Brentwood home. A source close to the investigation told NBC News that the couple appeared to have suffered stab wounds, though the medical examiner has not yet released an official cause of death. Investigators have not publicly identified a motive.
Alan Jackson is a well-known defense attorney who has represented several high-profile clients, including serving as lead counsel for Karen Read, who was acquitted earlier this year in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend.
Jackson said Los Angeles County prosecutors were expected to address the case during a scheduled 1PM news conference Tuesday.
Reiner is the middle child of Rob and Michele Reiner, who also share two other children. His arrest has sent shockwaves through both Hollywood and legal circles.
The deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner prompted an outpouring of grief from the entertainment industry and political figures alike. Rob Reiner was celebrated for directing iconic films such as When Harry Met Sally…, A Few Good Men, This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, and The Princess Bride.
Michele Reiner was a respected talent photographer and producer. The couple had been married since 1989 and were frequently seen together at industry events, most recently attending the Los Angeles premiere of Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues in September with their family.
Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Credit: Lester Cohen/Getty Images.
The Reiner family has previously spoken openly about the challenges they faced with Nick’s long battle with addiction. In 2015, Rob and Nick collaborated on the film Being Charlie, which explored substance abuse and a strained father-son relationship.
In a 2016 interview with the Associated Press, Rob Reiner reflected on the project, saying: “It forced us to understand ourselves better than we had. I told Nick while we were making it, ‘You know it doesn’t matter, whatever happens to this thing, we won already.’”
Nick Reiner has also described periods of homelessness and relapse, previously telling PEOPLE: “I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun.”
As the case unfolds, authorities say more details will be released following Reiner’s medical clearance and first court appearance.
The high-profile attorney representing Nick Reiner, who is charged with the stabbing deaths of his parents Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, has stepped away from the case. Alan Jackson, a former LA County prosecutor, made the announcement outside a Los Angeles courthouse following a closed-door meeting with the judge.
Jackson would not give any specific reason for his decision but stressed that it had nothing to do with Nick’s guilt. “Circumstances beyond our control and more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick's control, have dictated that, sadly, it's made it impossible to continue our representation,” he said, per WTOC 11.
He added with emphasis: “What we've learned, and you can take this to the bank, is that pursuant to the laws of this state, pursuant to the law of California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder. Print that.”
The bodies of Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were discovered at their Brentwood home on December 14. According to the LA County Medical Examiner’s initial findings, both died from "multiple sharp force injuries".
Nick Reiner was due to be arraigned on two counts of first-degree murder at Wednesday’s hearing, but the plea was postponed to February 23 after Jackson’s withdrawal. Public Defender Kimberly Greene will now represent Reiner moving forward.
During the hearing, Reiner appeared in court behind glass wearing brown jail clothing and with his head shaved. He spoke only to confirm the delay in entering a plea. Jackson did not indicate any future defense strategy but revealed that he and his team had been working non-stop on the case since getting a call about it while in New York.
“We dropped everything,” Jackson said via The Washington Post. “For the last three weeks, we have devoted literally every waking hour to protecting Nick and his interests. We've investigated this matter top to bottom, back to front.”
In a statement following the hearing, a spokesperson for the Reiner family said per Reuters: “They have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the legal proceedings.”
Ricardo D. Garcia, LA County’s Public Defender, also addressed the case in a rare public comment: “The Public Defender's Office recognises what an unimaginable tragedy this is for the Reiner family and the Los Angeles community. Our hearts go out to the Reiner family as they navigate this difficult time. We ask for your patience and compassion as the case moves through the legal process.”
Jackson ended his brief news appearance by reaffirming his team’s belief in Reiner’s innocence. “We're not just convinced; we know that the legal process will reveal the true facts,” he said, before declining to answer any further questions.
Nick Reiner has been arrested on felony murder charges after his father, director Rob Reiner, and his wife Michele Singer were found dead at their home.
Court documents show that the 32-year-old was arrested and taken to the Parker Center in Los Angeles on December 15 and that his bail was set at $4m.
Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 68, were found dead, believed to have been stabbed to death, at their Los Angeles home on Sunday 14 December.
Their son Nick, who has a history of substance misuse issues, was arrested on a felony charge early on Monday morning, records state.
Other than his $4m bail, no further details are known.
In a statement announcing the death, the Reiner family said: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner.
“We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
In a further statement, Mayor Karen Bass said that Los Angeles and the USA had suffered a ‘devastating loss’.
She added: "Rob Reiner's contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice."
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday, Dec. 14. Credit: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty
Firefighters were called to the Brentwood home of the famed director, known for hits such as The Princess Bride, This is Spinal Tap, and When Harry Met Sally, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The investigation was then taken up by LAPD, specifically the Robbery-Homicide Division.
The Reiner family own two homes on the street, with Rob and his wife occupying one with their daughter and her children living across the street.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also said that he was ‘heartbroken by the tragic loss’.
Newsom continued: "His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others - and encouraging us to dream bigger,
“Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity."
Reiner and Singer were married in 1989 and share three children, Jake, Nick, and Romy.
Reiner also has another daughter Tracy who he adopted from his previous marriage to Penny Marshall.
Nick Reiner, 32, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his parents, acclaimed director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, authorities confirmed.
The tragic incident occurred at the family’s Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon, leaving friends, fans, and Hollywood colleagues in shock.
Emergency responders discovered the bodies of Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, at approximately 3:40PM on Sunday. The Los Angeles Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation, with the robbery and homicide division overseeing the case. Details of the deaths remain limited as authorities continue to investigate.
Nick Reiner has been charged with murder and is currently being held without bond at Los Angeles’ Twin Towers Jail. According to sources, he is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, December 16. The case is being presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for formal consideration.
Authorities confirmed that Nick was not at the family home when his parents’ bodies were discovered. Instead, he had left the Brentwood residence and was located a short distance away in the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California campus. Police arrested him around 9:15 PM, swiftly taking him into custody.
Nick Reiner. Credit: Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images.
The night before the killings, Nick attended a holiday party hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien alongside his parents. Sources present at the event told PEOPLE that Nick and Rob were allegedly involved in a “big fight,” and that Nick’s erratic behavior reportedly made other guests uncomfortable.
“Nick was freaking everyone out, acting crazy, kept asking people if they were famous,” one source claimed.
Rob and Michele Reiner married in 1989 and had three children: Jake, Nick, and Romy. Prior to marrying Michele, Rob was married to Penny Marshall and adopted her daughter, Tracy.
Rob Reiner had a celebrated career as a filmmaker and actor, directing classics including This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally.
Michele Singer Reiner worked as a photographer, famously capturing the cover photo for Donald Trump’s book Trump: The Art of the Deal.
Nick has been open about his history of addiction and periods of homelessness. He told PEOPLE in 2016 that he began cycling in and out of rehab around age 15, and as his substance abuse escalated, he drifted farther from home, spending significant periods living unhoused across multiple states.
His struggles with addiction were explored in the 2016 film Being Charlie, which he co-wrote with his father, highlighting the challenges they faced together.
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead on December 14. Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images.
The tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with colleagues and fans alike expressing condolences.
The family’s friends note that Nick’s personal struggles should not diminish the tragedy of the loss of Rob and Michele Reiner. Authorities continue to investigate, and the legal proceedings are expected to provide more clarity in the coming days.
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