Nick Reiner Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal Stabbing of Filmmaker Rob Reiner and Wife

Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of slain Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner, pleaded not guilty on Monday to two counts of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of his parents at their West Los Angeles home. The bodies of Rob Reiner, 78, and photographer-producer Michele Reiner, 70, were discovered on December 14. Appearing in Los Angeles County Superior Court in jail attire, Reiner spoke briefly during the arraignment, agreeing to waive his right to a speedy preliminary hearing. Judge Theresa McGonigle scheduled the hearing for late April, where prosecutors will present evidence to determine whether the case will proceed to trial.

Reiner remains in custody without bail following his arrest hours after the killings. Authorities have released few details about the crime, stating only that both victims died from multiple sharp-force injuries. Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty; if convicted, Reiner could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The case drew widespread attention due to Rob Reiner’s prominence as an actor-director known for films such as When Harry Met Sally, This Is Spinal Tap, and The Princess Bride, as well as his political activism.

Reports indicate that Nick Reiner had a long history of substance abuse, mental health struggles, and periods of homelessness, factors that may surface during the trial. His original attorney withdrew unexpectedly in January and was replaced by a public defender shortly before the arraignment. The couple had reportedly attended a holiday event the night before the killings, where tensions were said to have arisen. Meanwhile, Reiner’s siblings have not appeared in court, though they issued a statement describing the loss as “horrific and devastating,” underscoring the profound impact of one of Los Angeles’ most shocking recent celebrity homicide cases.

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