Son Charged with First-Degree Murder in Deaths of Director Rob Reiner and Wife: Legal Proceedings Begin

Nick Reiner was apprehended without resistance hours after the incident in the Exposition Park vicinity.

Los Angeles:

Nick Reiner, son of Rob Reiner, is scheduled for his initial court appearance Wednesday, facing two counts of first-degree murder related to his parents' deaths.

The 32-year-old Nick Reiner was formally charged Tuesday with the murders of 78-year-old filmmaker Rob Reiner and his spouse Michele Singer Reiner, as announced by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman during a press conference alongside LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell.

"Their passing is immeasurably tragic, and we are committed to bringing their murderer to justice," stated Hochman.

In addition to the first-degree murder charges, prosecutors included special circumstances of multiple murders and a special allegation regarding the use of a dangerous weapon—a knife. These additions could potentially enhance the sentencing.

Hochman indicated that his office has not yet determined whether to pursue capital punishment in this case.

"This situation is devastating and profoundly personal, affecting not just the Reiner family and their close associates but our entire community," McDonnell remarked.

The charges come two days after the couple was discovered deceased from apparent stab wounds in their residence in the affluent Brentwood neighborhood on Los Angeles' west side. Nick Reiner surrendered without struggle when arrested hours later near the University of Southern California, approximately 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) from the crime scene, according to police reports.

Rob Reiner was an Emmy Award-winning actor from "All in the Family" who later directed acclaimed films including "When Harry Met Sally..." and "The Princess Bride." He was also a prominent liberal activist for decades. Michele Singer Reiner worked as a photographer, film producer, and advocate for LGBTQ rights. The couple had been married for 36 years.

Several close friends, including actors Billy Crystal, Albert Brooks, Martin Short, and Larry David, released a joint statement Tuesday evening mourning and honoring the couple.

"They represented a special force together—dynamic, selfless, and inspiring," the statement read. "As their friends, we will miss them eternally."

Nick Reiner's initial court appearance had been scheduled for earlier Tuesday, but his attorney Alan Jackson explained that medical reasons prevented his transfer from jail to the courthouse, resulting in postponement.

During Wednesday's hearing, Reiner may enter a plea, a judge might schedule a later arraignment, or the same medical issues could necessitate further delay. He remains in custody without bail.

Jackson is a prominent defense attorney and former LA County prosecutor who has represented high-profile clients including Harvey Weinstein during his Los Angeles trial and Karen Read during her widely-followed Massachusetts trials. He featured prominently in the HBO documentary about Read's case.

The prosecution will be led by Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian, whose recent notable cases include the Menendez brothers' resentencing attempt and Robert Durst's trial.

Authorities have not revealed any potential motive for the killings and provided limited details when questioned during the news conference.