New Indictment Alleges Nick Reiner Lay in Wait Before Parents’ Fatal Stabbing

A Los Angeles County grand jury has indicted Nick Reiner, the son of late Hollywood filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, on murder charges in connection with the deaths of his parents, adding a new allegation that he lay in wait before the fatal attack.

The indictment was returned on July 20 and unsealed on Wednesday, August 12, when 32-year-old Reiner appeared in court and pleaded not guilty.

Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found stabbed to death at their Brentwood home in Los Angeles on December 14, 2025. Nick Reiner was arrested hours later and subsequently charged with their murders.

The newly unsealed indictment includes a special-circumstance allegation that Reiner committed the murders “by means of lying in wait.”

Prosecutors also allege multiple murders and that a knife was personally used as a deadly weapon.

The “lying in wait” allegation is significant because it can elevate the potential punishment in a California murder case. If convicted under the special circumstances, Reiner could face life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty, although prosecutors have not said whether they intend to seek capital punishment. California currently has a moratorium on executions.

The grand jury proceedings were conducted in secret, meaning the new indictment allows prosecutors to bypass a public preliminary hearing and move the case toward trial.

Reiner had previously pleaded not guilty to the murder charges and has remained in custody without bail. His next pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 15.

The indictment itself provides few additional details about what prosecutors allege happened immediately before the killings.

Rob Reiner was one of Hollywood’s best-known filmmakers and actors. He became widely known for playing Michael “Meathead” Stivic on All in the Family before establishing himself as a director of acclaimed films including When Harry Met Sally…, The Princess Bride and A Few Good Men.

The deaths of Reiner and Michele shocked Hollywood and drew tributes from colleagues and friends following the killings.

Nick Reiner’s case remains pending, and the allegations contained in the indictment have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.