Nick Reiner has been charged with the murder of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner :
Prosecutors in Los Angeles have brought murder charges against Nick Reiner in connection with the deaths of his parents, acclaimed Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman said Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, along with a special circumstance allegation involving multiple victims. If convicted, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or potentially the death penalty.
Mr Hochman said Reiner will be formally arraigned and asked to enter a plea once he is medically cleared by prison officials. The charges were filed two days after the couple were discovered dead in their Brentwood, California home, where they had suffered multiple stab wounds.
Prosecutors also alleged that Reiner used a knife in the killings, describing it as a “dangerous and deadly weapon.” While no final decision has been made on whether the death penalty will be sought, that determination remains under consideration.
The suspect, who is 32 years old, had been expected to appear in court on Tuesday for an arraignment, though the district attorney later confirmed the hearing would be scheduled for a later date. When asked whether the alleged murder weapon had been recovered, Mr Hochman said that information would be disclosed during court proceedings.
Officials noted that autopsies are still pending and will establish the exact cause, manner, and timing of the deaths.
During a news conference, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell described the case as “heartbreaking and deeply personal,” adding that it has affected not only the Reiner family and their loved ones but the entire city. He extended condolences to everyone impacted by the tragedy.
Rob Reiner was known for directing a wide range of iconic films, including This Is Spinal Tap, Misery, A Few Good Men, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally. Michele Singer Reiner was an actress, photographer, and producer, and the founder of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company.
Following the news, numerous figures from the film industry paid tribute to the couple. Actor Billy Crystal, who starred in When Harry Met Sally, joined Larry David, Martin Short, Albert Brooks, and others in a joint statement shared with the Associated Press.
The statement described Rob and Michele as “a special force together—dynamic, unselfish, and inspiring.” It praised Rob Reiner’s range as a filmmaker, noting that he excelled across comedy, drama, mockumentary, and documentary, consistently earning the trust and admiration of audiences.
It also highlighted his commitment as a passionate and courageous citizen who worked to improve the country he loved, alongside Michele, whom the statement called his perfect partner. Together, the couple were remembered as strong, determined individuals who dedicated much of their lives to helping others.
“We were their friends,” the statement concluded, “and we will miss them forever.”
