Nick Reiner Pleads Not Guilty in Murder of Parents Rob and Michele Reiner

Jerry O'Connell, who starred in Rob Reiner's 'Stand by Me', expresses emotional reaction to the tragic case.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of legendary director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances in the deaths of his parents. Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 70, were found dead inside their Brentwood, California home on December 14, 2025. Jerry O'Connell, who got his big break starring in Rob Reiner's 1986 film 'Stand by Me', has expressed his emotional reaction to the tragic case, describing Rob Reiner as being like a 'father' to him.

Why it matters

The deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, a prominent Hollywood couple, have shocked the entertainment industry and the public. The case also raises questions about family violence and the challenges of prosecuting such intimate crimes. As a former child actor who worked closely with Rob Reiner, Jerry O'Connell's emotional response underscores the personal impact this tragedy has had on those connected to the Reiner family.

The details

Nick Reiner, 32, pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances during an arraignment on February 23, 2026. Prosecutors allege that Nick used a knife to kill his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, inside their Brentwood home on December 14, 2025. Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 70, were found dead from apparent stab wounds. Nick waived his right to a speedy trial, and his next court hearing is scheduled for April 29.

  • On December 14, 2025, Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 70, were found dead inside their Brentwood, California home.
  • On December 16, 2025, Nick Reiner was charged with two counts of murder with special circumstances.
  • On February 23, 2026, Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty and waived his right to a speedy trial.
  • Nick Reiner's next court hearing is scheduled for April 29, 2026.

The players

Nick Reiner

The 32-year-old son of Rob and Michele Reiner, who has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances in the deaths of his parents.

Rob Reiner

A legendary film director, best known for movies like 'Stand by Me', 'When Harry Met Sally', and 'The Princess Bride', who was found dead along with his wife Michele in their Brentwood home.

Michele Reiner

The 70-year-old wife of Rob Reiner, who was found dead along with her husband in their Brentwood home.

Jerry O'Connell

An actor who got his big break starring in Rob Reiner's 1986 film 'Stand by Me', and has expressed his emotional reaction to the tragic deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner.

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What they’re saying

“Those who may not know, I am an actor and I was in Stand by Me. It was my first job. Rob Reiner was the director of Stand by Me. This is very emotional for me to hear about.”

— Jerry O'Connell, Actor (Fox 5's Good Day New York)

“It's going to be very difficult going through this whole trial process. I'm going to be watching it closely in the hopes that it doesn't become one of these circuses that sometimes happens around these murder trials.”

— Jerry O'Connell, Actor (Fox 5's Good Day New York)

“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day. The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren't just our parents; they were our best friends.”

— Jake and Romy Reiner, Children of Rob and Michele Reiner (Statement)

What’s next

Nick Reiner's next court hearing is scheduled for April 29, 2026, where the judge will determine if the case will proceed to trial.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the complexities and challenges of prosecuting family violence crimes, where the intimate nature of the crimes can make them especially heart-wrenching. The emotional reactions from those close to the Reiner family, like Jerry O'Connell, underscore the profound impact this loss has had on Hollywood and beyond.