Rob Reiner's Children Cut Off Legal Funding for Brother Accused of Killing Parents

Romy, 28, and Jake Reiner, 34, have stopped paying for a private defense attorney for their brother Nick, who is charged with first-degree murder.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Two of slain Hollywood director Rob Reiner's children have reportedly stopped paying the legal bills for their brother Nick, who is charged in the fatal stabbing of their famous parents in Los Angeles. Romy, 28, and Jake, 34, hired a high-profile criminal defense attorney for Nick shortly after the bodies of Rob and his wife Michele were found in their Brentwood home in mid-December, but the attorney later withdrew from the case due to an undisclosed disagreement. Nick Reiner, 32, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex family dynamics and legal challenges when a relative is accused of a violent crime against their own parents. The Reiner siblings' decision to cut off funding for Nick's defense attorney raises questions about their involvement in his upcoming trial and whether they believe he is guilty of the alleged murders.

The details

According to reports, Romy and Jake Reiner hired a high-profile criminal defense attorney, Alan Jackson, to represent their brother Nick shortly after the bodies of their parents were discovered. However, Jackson later withdrew from the case due to an undisclosed disagreement. A public defender was then appointed to take on Nick's case, but this was seen as a temporary measure until another private attorney could be hired. Now, Romy and Jake have reportedly cut off funding for a private defense lawyer, leaving Nick to be represented by the public defender's office.

  • On December 14, police responded to a 'death investigation' at the Reiner family's Brentwood home and found the bodies of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
  • On December 15, Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested in connection with the murders.
  • On February 23, Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
  • Nick Reiner's next court appearance is scheduled for April 29, when a preliminary hearing date is expected to be set.

The players

Romy Reiner

The 28-year-old daughter of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, who has reportedly cut off funding for a private defense attorney for her brother Nick.

Jake Reiner

The 34-year-old son of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, who has reportedly cut off funding for a private defense attorney for his brother Nick.

Nick Reiner

The 32-year-old son of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, who is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents.

Rob Reiner

The famous Hollywood director known for films like 'When Harry Met Sally,' who was found dead in his Brentwood home along with his wife Michele.

Michele Singer Reiner

The wife of Rob Reiner, who was found dead in their Brentwood home along with her husband.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Nick Reiner out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex family dynamics and legal challenges when a relative is accused of a violent crime against their own parents. The Reiner siblings' decision to cut off funding for Nick's defense attorney raises questions about their involvement in his upcoming trial and whether they believe he is guilty of the alleged murders.