Nick Reiner has been formally charged with the murder of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, after a stabbing incident in their Brentwood home last December. Officials from Los Angeles County report that he pleaded not guilty to two murder charges, which include special circumstances of multiple murders and murder by lying in wait.

At age 32, Reiner was in the Criminal Courts Building in downtown Los Angeles for a hearing on the new charges. These charges will replace an earlier murder case filed in 2025. The indictment, returned last month, includes a special circumstance of lying in wait, which could lead to harsher penalties during sentencing.

“This was a profound betrayal by someone who was loved and trusted by the very people he is accused of killing,” stated Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.

Reiner is represented by Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, who did not comment following the arraignment. The indictment accelerates the path to a jury trial, eliminating the necessity for a public preliminary hearing, initially expected in the fall.

The case cites a special allegation that Reiner used a knife, described as a dangerous and deadly weapon. Arrested on December 15, a day after his parents were found dead, Reiner remains in custody without bail. A court date is set for September 15.

The possible penalties Reiner faces include death or life imprisonment without parole. The decision to pursue the death penalty has not yet been determined.

Rob Reiner, 78, was a renowned director known for films such as “When Harry Met Sally…,” “A Few Good Men,” and “This Is Spinal Tap.” Michele Reiner, 70, was a photographer and producer. Their deaths shocked Hollywood, prompting tributes from colleagues, political figures, and others.

Nick Reiner’s struggles, including challenges with drug addiction, were public. The family had previously faced these issues, which were widely covered. In September, they appeared together at the premiere of “Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues” in Los Angeles.

Nick Reiner has openly discussed his battle with addiction, which began during his teens. In a 2016 interview with People, he shared experiences of cycling through treatment facilities, homelessness, and relapse.