New details have emerged in the tragic deaths of legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, as the criminal case against their son continues to unfold in Los Angeles.
The update came just hours after their son, Nick Reiner, made his first court appearance since the couple were found dead inside their Brentwood home.
Nick, 32, is accused of killing his parents and now faces two counts of first-degree murder, a case that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond.
Outside Los Angeles Municipal Court on Wednesday, Nick’s attorney, high-profile defense lawyer Alan Jackson, confirmed that his client’s arraignment has been scheduled for Jan. 7, 2026.
Jackson urged patience as the legal process moves forward, calling the situation an unimaginable tragedy for the Reiner family.
Nick Reiner is charged with allegedly murdering his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. Credit: Michael Buckner / Getty.
Court proceedings unfolded as the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner released official findings confirming that Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, died from multiple sharp force injuries. In documents made public Wednesday, the medical examiner listed the manner of death for both as homicide.
Jackson addressed reporters following the brief court hearing, emphasizing the seriousness and complexity of the case. “First of all, and most importantly, this is a devastating tragedy that has befallen the Reiner family,” he said, per Page Six. “There are very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case, and they need to be examined carefully and thoroughly.” He added that the family deserves dignity and restraint as the justice system does its work.
Authorities have said the couple were discovered dead in their Brentwood residence on Sunday afternoon. Later that same day, Nick Reiner was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder, along with a special circumstance allegation tied to multiple victims. Prosecutors have also alleged that a knife was used in the killings.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman explained during a press conference that the charges carry the possibility of life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
However, he noted that no final decision has been made regarding whether prosecutors will seek capital punishment. Hochman said the wishes and perspectives of surviving family members will be considered as the case moves forward.
Sources familiar with the investigation say the couple’s bodies were found by their daughter, Romy Reiner, after concerns were raised when a massage therapist was unable to reach them.
Investigators later determined that Rob and Michele had likely been deceased for several hours before being discovered.
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday, December 14. Credit: Rodin Eckenroth / Getty.
Nick Reiner has previously spoken publicly about long-standing struggles with drug addiction, and sources have indicated that tensions within the family had allegedly escalated in the days leading up to the deaths. Friends have claimed there was a heated argument involving Nick at a holiday party the night before.
On Wednesday, Rob and Michele’s children, Romy and Jake Reiner, released a joint statement mourning the loss of their parents. They described the deaths as “horrific and devastating” and asked for privacy, compassion, and respect as they grieve. Nick Reiner was not mentioned in the statement.
Rob and Michele Reiner were married in 1989 after meeting while he was directing When Harry Met Sally. Rob also shares a daughter, Tracy, from his previous marriage to Penny Marshall.