A grand jury in Los Angeles County has charged Nick Reiner with murder in the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, alleging that he ambushed them. The indictment was issued on July 20 and was made public when Nick Reiner, 32, pleaded not guilty.
The couple, Rob Reiner, a prominent director and actor, and Michele Singer Reiner, a photographer and producer, were fatally stabbed in their Brentwood home on December 14. Nick Reiner was promptly arrested and formally charged two days later.
By indicting Nick Reiner, the case progresses towards a trial, bypassing the typical preliminary hearing in California. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the alleged betrayal as a profound act by someone who was trusted and loved by the victims.
The unsealed indictment, while not revealing many new details, suggests that Reiner could face the death penalty due to the lying-in-wait accusation and other circumstances, though the decision to seek it remains pending. The document mentions the use of a knife in the crime, consistent with reports that the couple was stabbed.
The motive behind the killings remains undisclosed, with little information leaked from either side. The medical examiner expressed a desire to release the autopsy reports but has been restricted by a court order.
Nick Reiner is currently trying to access funds from a trust set up by his parents to support his defense. A court petition states that the trustees have withheld the money without legal grounds. The trust reportedly holds at least $1.5 million in assets.
An upcoming hearing will address Reiner’s petition to rehire his former defense attorney. The L.A. County Public Defender’s Office, representing Reiner, declined to comment on the indictment.
Rob Reiner, known for his acting and directing career, had a prolific filmography that included iconic movies from the ’80s and ’90s. His son, Nick Reiner, co-wrote a film with him in 2015, drawing from personal struggles with addiction and homelessness. Nick’s brother, Jake Reiner, described the family’s tragedy as incomprehensibly devastating.