Nick Reiner, aged 32 and son of the renowned Hollywood figure Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, formally denied allegations of fatally stabbing his parents by pleading not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder during a court appearance on Monday. Nick Reiner’s new legal representative, Kimberly Greene, entered the plea on his behalf while he stood in a packed Los Angeles courtroom’s custody area.
Since the tragic discovery of his parents’ bodies on December 14 in their upscale Brentwood home, Nick Reiner, the third child of Rob Reiner, has been in custody without bail. During the court session, Reiner, with a shaved head and light facial hair, wore brown jail attire and conversed briefly with his lawyer through a glass partition before the proceedings began. Despite the dramatic nature of the hearings leading up to this point, including a change in defense attorneys, Reiner’s plea was delayed until this latest court appearance.
The presiding judge scheduled a preliminary hearing for April 29, during which prosecutors will present evidence before a new judge decides if there is sufficient grounds for Reiner to stand trial. The case will now be overseen by Judge Sam Ohta, a seasoned figure in the Los Angeles Superior Court known for handling high-profile cases, although none have garnered the same level of national media scrutiny as this one.
District attorney Nathan Hochman indicated that his office has yet to determine whether they will pursue the death penalty for Reiner, emphasizing the rigorous evaluation process considering all factors. Reiner’s not guilty plea is customary at this stage of legal proceedings, offering no definitive insight into his long-term defense strategy. His previous attorney, Alan Jackson, exited the case citing circumstances beyond his control, reiterating Reiner’s innocence in accordance with California law.
Amidst the ongoing legal developments, authorities have remained tight-lipped about possible motives behind the tragic events, with minimal leaks from either side leaving key questions unanswered. The investigation is ongoing, with a full autopsy report pending and the defense already in possession of all available evidence. Rob Reiner, a distinguished filmmaker known for iconic movies from the 1980s and ’90s, tragically passed away alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, in circumstances that have shaken the entertainment industry.
