Nick Reiner has emerged at the center of a tragic and highly publicized case following the deaths of his parents, director Rob Reiner and photographer-producer Michele Singer Reiner. On December 14, 2025, the couple was found dead in their Brentwood, California, home from multiple sharp-force injuries, and the deaths were ruled homicides by medical examiners. Authorities arrested 32-year-old Nick later that night, and on December 16, 2025, the Los Angeles County District Attorney charged him with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, alleging he used a knife in the killings.
Amid the proceedings, members of the Reiner family have expressed grief and asked for compassion while the investigation and court process move forward. Prior to the case, Nick had spoken openly about struggles with drug addiction and periods of homelessness, and he had pursued work in film, following in his father’s footsteps.
Learn more about Nick, his career and bond with his family below.
How Many Kids Do Rob Reiner & Michele Reiner Have?
Rob and Michele share four children altogether: three biological adult children, Jake, Nick and Romy Reiner, and Tracy Reiner, whom Rob had adopted from his past marriage to ex-wife Penny Marshall.
Did Nick Reiner Kill Rob & Michele Reiner?
Tracy spoke out about Rob and Michele’s shocking deaths shortly after they were found dead. In a statement obtained by NBC News, Tracy said, “I came from the greatest family ever. I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
Rob and Michele’s wounds were consistent with a knife attack. Per TMZ, their throats had been slit. People reported that Nick murdered Rob and Michele, though police have yet to confirm this information. However, Nick was taken into police custody on December 15, 2025, per TMZ. He was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder. On December 16, 2025, the Los Angeles County District Attorney charged Nick with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances in connection with the deaths. Nick was taken into custody the day after his parents were found. He has not entered a plea, and police have not publicly confirmed additional details about the alleged motive or circumstances surrounding the case.
In early January 2026, Nick appeared in court again after his privately retained attorney withdrew, and a public defender was appointed. His arraignment has since been rescheduled for February 23, 2026. A former attorney for Nick has publicly stated that, under California law, he is “not guilty of murder,” emphasizing that the case remains unresolved and subject to the legal process.
Rob was 78, and Michele was 68 when they died.
What Did Nick Reiner Do for a Living?
Nick followed in his father’s footsteps in the film industry. He became a screenwriter. In 2016, Nick and Rob appeared at an event together in New York City while promoting his film Being Charlie.
“When I was out there, I could’ve died. It’s all luck,” Nick explained in 2016, per People. “You roll the dice, and you hope you make it. I met crazy great people there, so out of my element. Now, I’ve been home for a really long time, and I’ve sort of gotten acclimated back to being in L.A. and being around my family. But there was a lot of dark years there [sic].”
Nick further explained how he struggled with homelessness.
“I was homeless in Maine. I was homeless in New Jersey. I was homeless in Texas,” Nick said, according to People. “I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun. … If I wanted to do it my way and not go to the programs they were suggesting, then I had to be homeless.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).