Nick Reiner made a brief court appearance on Wednesday to address charges related to the tragic deaths of his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. The session was short, with Nick speaking only once.

The 32-year-old was present in Los Angeles Superior Court, seated behind a plexiglass barrier in an area reserved for those in custody. He was dressed in a thick blue one-piece garment, a vest designed for suicide prevention, and he remained silent throughout the proceedings. Asked by the judge if he wished to waive his right to a speedy arraignment, Nick quietly responded, “Yes, your honor.”

No plea was entered by Nick during this appearance. His arraignment has been postponed to January 7, 2026, and he remains in custody without bail.

Inside Nick Reiner’s First Court Appearance

Nick’s lawyer, Alan Jackson, stood in front of him during the hearing, occasionally positioning himself to block the view of the media present in the courtroom. Speaking to reporters outside, Jackson described the situation as a “devastating tragedy” for the family and highlighted the “very complex and serious issues” involved in the case.

He cautioned the public against forming rushed judgements and did not entertain questions from the press.

Jackson also told the court that it was “too early” to enter a plea, noting that he and prosecutors had already agreed to delay the arraignment until January. Nick’s appearance had originally been scheduled for the day prior but was postponed because he had not been medically cleared to be transferred from jail.

Jake and Romy Reiner Speak Out

Nick’s siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, released a statement Wednesday — their first public remarks since their parents’ deaths. They described the loss as “horrific and devastating” and asked that speculation be “tempered with compassion and humanity” as the case moves forward. The siblings also expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received from family, friends and strangers.

What Nick Reiner Is Facing

Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of his parents. Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead in the master bedroom of their Brentwood home, according to Los Angeles police. Authorities said information gathered early in the investigation led them to identify Nick as a person of interest before arresting him Sunday night.

In California, a single first-degree murder conviction typically carries a sentence of 25 years to life. However, prosecutors filed the charges with special circumstances — including committing multiple murders — meaning Nick could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office has not yet decided whether it will pursue capital punishment and noted that the family’s wishes would be considered.

“Prosecuting these cases involving family members are some of the most challenging and heart-wrenching cases that this office faces because of the intimate and often brutal nature of the crimes involved,” Hochman said.

Nick is also facing a special allegation of using a deadly weapon, which could add additional time to a sentence if he’s convicted of lesser charges.