Nick Reiner Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of Parents Rob and Michele Reiner

Rolling Stone

by Nancy Dillon

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty to the murders of his parents, Hollywood director Rob Reiner and photographer-philanthropist Michele Reiner, who were found stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home. During a court appearance, Nick, 32, entered his plea through his public defender and appeared engaged with the proceedings. District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed that prosecutors are still awaiting the final coroner’s report but emphasized that the case remains eligible for the death penalty. The DA’s office is conducting a rigorous evaluation to determine whether to pursue capital punishment, considering both aggravating and mitigating factors. Nick’s mental health struggles have been widely reported, with sources revealing he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. He had also been placed in a conservatorship in 2020 and was on psychiatric medication prior to the killings. Police records indicate that authorities responded to his family’s home twice in 2019, once for a welfare check involving a woman and another for a “mental” call involving a male. These details raise questions about Nick’s mental state leading up to the悲剧. The case has sparked significant interest due to the victims’ prominence in Hollywood and the disturbing circumstances surrounding their deaths. Rob Reiner was known for his work on *All in the Family* and films like *This Is Spinal Tap* and *The Princess Bride*, while Michele Reiner was a noted photographer and philanthropist who met her husband on the set of *When Harry Met Sally*. The couple’s deaths have also brought attention to issues surrounding mental health, drug addiction, and the challenges faced by families dealing with such conditions. As the case progresses, it is likely to remain a focal point in both legal and cultural discussions.

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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/23/2026