Nick Reiner has been formally indicted in the killings of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, following a tragic incident in their Brentwood home last December. Reiner, aged 32, appeared at the criminal courts building in downtown Los Angeles to face the new indictment, which updates the initial murder charges filed in 2025. The recent legal action includes a serious charge of lying in wait, which may lead to a sentence of life without parole or the death penalty if convicted.
Authorities discovered the victims, Rob and Michele, stabbed to death on December 14. Nick Reiner was detained approximately 12 hours later in Exposition Park. The new indictment facilitates a swifter transition to trial by eliminating the need for a preliminary hearing. This prevents the need for public witness testimony regarding the troubling scene and Reiner’s past.
“This was a profound betrayal by someone who was loved and trusted by the very people he is accused of killing,” remarked Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. “We hope that by having a grand jury return an indictment in this case it will bring us one step closer to a trial and achieving justice.”
Reiner pleaded not guilty to the two murder charges, which come with allegations of multiple killings and murder by lying in wait. The indictment, finalized on July 20, also accuses Reiner of using a knife as a deadly weapon. The authorities have not released a motive for these killings. Nick Reiner had previously spoken about his challenges with mental health and addiction.
The father and son collaborated on the 2015 movie “Being Charlie,” which addressed the impact of drug addiction on family relationships. The story mirrored their own lives, dealing with a successful actor and his son dealing with addiction issues.
Richard Winton is an investigative crime journalist for the Los Angeles Times. He has been part of the team awarded the Pulitzer Prize for public service in 2011 and has contributed to breaking news teams recognized with Pulitzers in 1998, 2004, and 2016.