Nick Reiner Charged with two counts of murder

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office held a press conference earlier today (16) regarding the arrest of Nick Reiner, the primary suspect in the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. The couple was found dead on Sunday (14) in their home in Brentwood, CA, with apparent knife wounds. District Attorney Nathan Hochman outlined the charges and cautioned the public against engaging with circulating rumors, emphasizing that unverified information can compromise legal proceedings, particularly in a case as serious and sensitive as this one.

According to Hochman, prosecutors are filing two counts of first-degree murder with a special circumstance of multiple murders, which means Reiner is eligible for the death penalty. No decision on pursuing the death penalty has been made yet, as that process can take time. Due to the nature of the charges, Reiner will be held without bail. A special allegation has also been added for the alleged use of a dangerous weapon, a knife. If convicted, Reiner faces a maximum sentence of life without parole or death.

The DA noted that investigators are still awaiting the coroner and toxicology reports, stressing that much work remains before the case proceeds further. Reiner is also undergoing a medical evaluation before making his first court appearance. He has retained defense attorney Alan Jackson, known for representing clients in several high-profile criminal and civil cases, including Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and, more recently, Karen Read.

Hochman reiterated that topics currently circulating online, such as Reiner’s alleged drug history or speculation about how he became a suspect, will not be addressed until they appear in official records or in court. Any information outside of that should be regarded as unverified and potentially harmful to the integrity of the investigation and future jury process. Reiner’s arraignment will be scheduled at a later date.

Since the passing of Rob and Michele Reiner, members of This Is Spinal Tap have paid tribute.

Harry Shearer, who played Derek Smalls in both films, shared the following on Instagram:

“Rob was a friend and collaborator through much of my life. He was funny, he was smart, he was a mensch. When he came to see the comedy act I was in, and, later, the musical comedy I had co-written, his laugh was uproarious and audible around the block. He was a great collaborator, and when the four of us proposed ideas for the films, he was the one who wrote them on 3×5 cards, and organized them into a movie. And Michele was a very good friend to my wife Judith. This is unspeakable, the stuff of Greek tragedy.”

Jamie Lee Curtis issued a joint statement on behalf of her husband, Christopher Guest, who played Nigel Tufnel in the films, and shared the following via Deadline:

“Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michele Singer Reiner and our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them. There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis. We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”

Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Questlove also paid tribute, as all three appeared in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.

McCartney shared the following on Instagram:

“What a tragedy the death of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, is. It is so shocking in many ways but for me especially so, because over the last year I had been working with him. He directed me in ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’. He was such an upbeat, lovable man.

Life can be so unfair and this tragedy proves it. His father, Carl Reiner, was a great humourist before him and Rob followed in his dad’s footsteps doing a terrific job making many great films. I will always have fond memories of Rob and the idea that he and his wife will no longer be in the world with us is heartbreaking.

Thanks for all the humour, Rob. Rest in Peace. Love Paul”

Elton John posted a since-expired Instagram Story, expressing:

“I am in disbelief at today’s news of Rob and Michele. They were two of the most beautiful people I’d ever met and they deserved better. My thoughts are with them and their loved ones.”

Questlove shared the following on Instagram:

“Strength to the loved ones and family of the Reiners. This is beyond any words I can put together. I am a MAASSSSSEIVE fan of Rob Reiner’s work and never hesitated to remind him. May we all have healing in processing this tragedy. Thank you Uncle Meathead 😔 Love For Uncle Meathead”