New Indictment Alleges Nick Reiner Lying in Wait Before Parents' Murders

A new grand jury indictment, unsealed on August 12, 2026, alleges that Nick Reiner was "lying in wait" before the fatal stabbings of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, in their Brentwood home last December. This new indictment replaces the original murder counts filed in 2025 and includes special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and murder by means of lying in wait. Nick Reiner, 32, pleaded not guilty to the two counts of murder with these new allegations.

The "lying in wait" special circumstance significantly impacts the potential sentencing, making Reiner eligible for either life in prison without parole or the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek the death penalty. The indictment, which was returned on July 20, allows the prosecution to bypass a preliminary hearing, expediting the case towards trial and avoiding public testimony from witnesses regarding the details of the crime and Reiner's history.

Rob Reiner, 78, a renowned director and actor, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, a photographer and producer, were found stabbed to death in their master bedroom on December 14, 2025. Nick Reiner was arrested approximately 12 hours later in Exposition Park. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman described the alleged crime as a "profound betrayal" and expressed hope that the indictment brings the case closer to justice. Reiner is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on September 15.