Nick Reiner Arrested for Killing Parents Rob and Michele Reiner

Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested Monday in connection with the murders of his parents, celebrated director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner, whose bodies were discovered Sunday inside their home in Los Angeles’ Brentwood neighborhood.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Los Angeles County prosecutors announced that Reiner faces first‑degree murder charges. The charges were filed Tuesday afternoon, when Reiner is expected to make his initial court appearance. District Attorney Nathan Hochman told reporters at a news conference that the charges include a special circumstances allegation of multiple murders and an additional allegation that Reiner used a knife. Hochman said, “These are some of the most serious charges a DA’s office can bring against anybody.” Special circumstances elevate a murder charge to a more severe level.

Reiner remained in jail on Tuesday without bail. He has not yet been medically cleared for a judge appearance, according to defense attorney Alan Jackson, who said the standard medical clearance process was pending. Jackson expressed hope that Reiner would appear in court later after receiving clearance.

Investigation Details

LAPD Assistant Chief Dominic Choi confirmed that police found the Reiners in their bedroom on Sunday. A source close to the family told NBC News that both Rob and Michele had apparent stab wounds. The medical examiner has not yet released an official cause of death.

The case has been described by LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell as heartbreaking not only for the Reiner family but for the entire city. No motive for the killings was immediately available.

Family Background and Public Reaction

Rob Reiner, 78, was a celebrated film director known for classics such as “When Harry Met Sally…,” “A Few Good Men,” and “This Is Spinal Tap.” Michele Reiner, 68, was a talented photographer and producer. The couple had three children; Nick was the second. Their deaths stunned the Hollywood community, sparking an outpouring of tributes from industry colleagues and political figures.

The family’s challenges with Nick were well documented, including battles with drug addiction. Sources told NBC News that Nick had been disruptive at a party. Robert Kovacik reported for NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.

Nick Reiner’s History

Nick Reiner has spoken publicly about his struggles with drug addiction, which began in his teens. In a 2016 interview with People, he described cycling in and out of treatment facilities, bouts of homelessness, and relapses. He told People, “I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun.”

In 2015, Rob and Nick worked together on a coming‑of‑age film called “Being Charlie.” In a 2016 interview with the Associated Press, they discussed the film. Rob Reiner said, “It forced us to understand ourselves better than we had,” and added, “I told Nick while we were making it, I said, ‘You know it doesn’t matter, whatever happens to this thing, we won already. This has already been good.'”

In September, the family appeared together at the Los Angeles premiere of “Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues.” The public visibility of the Reiners in recent months underscores the tragedy of their loss.

Key Takeaways

• Nick Reiner, 32, is charged with first‑degree murder for killing parents Rob and Michele Reiner.
• Charges include special circumstances for multiple murders and a knife allegation.
• Reiner remains jailed without bail; a medical clearance is pending for court appearance.
• The Reiners were found in their bedroom; both had apparent stab wounds.
• Rob Reiner was a celebrated director; Michele was a photographer and producer.
• Nick’s history of drug addiction and homelessness has been documented publicly.
• The case has been described as heartbreaking for the family and the city.

The investigation continues as prosecutors and law enforcement work to uncover the motive behind the tragic killings of the Reiner family.