In an arraignment held at a Los Angeles court on Monday, February 23, Rob and Michele Singer Reiner's son Nick Reiner made an appearance to plead not guilty.
The 32-year-old was charged with two counts of murder, accused of being responsible for the deaths of his parents, who were found in their Brentwood home on December 14, 2025.
© Getty ImagesAppearing at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Nick was seen speaking with the judge through a glass box, talking with the court only about waiving his rights to a quick trial.
The arraignment for Nick was originally slated for January 7. However, it was postponed when his attorney, famed celebrity defense lawyer Alan Jackson, asked to be removed from the case. Los Angeles County public defender Kimberly Greene then asked for it to be postponed until February 23.
© Getty ImagesWhat happens next?
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for more than two months down the line, April 29, during which it will be determined whether prosecutors have enough evidence to proceed with a trial.
The full case against Nick has not yet been outlined. He has been charged with two counts of murder with special circumstances related to multiple homicides. During this time, his lawyers will also gather further evidence to determine whether the trial can hinge on an insanity plea.
© Getty ImagesNick's mental health
The 32-year-old, Rob's younger son and third youngest of his four kids, has had a long history with mental health struggles and substance abuse. He has also spoken extensively of spending periods in and out of rehabilitation facilities prior to his parents' deaths.
It is believed that Nick allegedly killed his parents, per legal filings, and then fled to the nearby Pierside Santa Monica Hotel. The insanity plea could affect the trial in a number of ways. In the weeks leading up to their deaths, the first court appearance also revealed that Nick had allegedly been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
© Getty ImagesBoth prosecutors and the defense will investigate whether the apparent murders were premeditated, aka with an "intent" to kill. If it is discovered, for instance, that due to his mental state, the intent wasn't apparent, he could face a lesser sentence.
A verdict and a sentencing
It could take a while before we receive a verdict or sentencing in the case, which could proceed for as long as a year if there is enough evidence deemed for Nick to stand trial.
© Getty ImagesWe spoke with former Los Angeles County deputy district attorney, now criminal defense attorney RJ Dreiling, of Dreiling Law APC, who shared some insight into what an outcome for Nick could look like.
"If the case goes to trial, Nick Reiner is currently facing the death penalty under California law," he told HELLO!. "However, the prosecutor can choose not to pursue that and go for life without parole. Given Nick's extensive well-documented mental health issues, it's unlikely the prosecutor will be seeking the death penalty."
