> At a Glance
> – Nick Reiner, 32, faces first-degree murder charges for the stabbing deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner
> – Special-circumstance multiple-murder count and knife-use allegation could expose him to the death penalty
> – Sources say he had been treated for schizophrenia for years and was in the middle of a medication change
> – Why it matters: The case spotlights how mental-health crises and medication shifts intersect with violent crime
The 32-year-old son of celebrated director Rob Reiner will be arraigned Wednesday on a first-degree murder complaint that alleges he fatally stabbed both parents inside their Brentwood home last month, prosecutors said.
Charges & Evidence
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has classified the Dec. 14 deaths as homicides caused by multiple sharp-force injuries. Nick Reiner was arrested the same day in Exposition Park, roughly 15 miles from the crime scene.
A security hold imposed by LAPD is blocking public release of the full autopsy reports.
Key allegations include:
- Two counts of murder with a special-circumstance finding of multiple victims
- Use of a knife as the murder weapon
- Potential capital punishment if prosecutors pursue the death sentence
Mental-Health Background
Three sources confirmed to NBC Los Angeles that Nick Reiner:
- Was diagnosed with schizophrenia years ago
- Had been taking medication but was undergoing a dosage or drug change shortly before the killings
- Was no longer on suicide watch, though he remained under observation in county jail
- Was held without bond after his Dec. 17 court appearance
A sealed medical order-signed by the judge overseeing the early stages of the prosecution-could delay proceedings further, though its contents were not disclosed.
Family Statement
Jake and Romy Reiner, Nick’s older brother and younger sister, issued a joint statement:
> “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day… They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”
Defense attorney Alan Jackson asked the public to avoid a rush to judgment:
> “This is a devastating tragedy… There are complex issues that need to be carefully dealt with and examined.”
Key Takeaways
- Nick Reiner faces the possibility of capital punishment under California law
- His history of schizophrenia and recent medication adjustment are expected to play central roles in the case
- The family has requested privacy while the legal process unfolds
The Hollywood community continues to mourn Rob Reiner, whose films include When Harry Met Sally… and A Few Good Men, and Michele Singer Reiner, a photographer and producer who championed numerous arts initiatives.
