Nick Reiner pleads not guilty in Rob and Michele Reiner death case

Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty to the killings of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. The 32-year-old, who was charged with two counts of murder in the first degree, pleaded not guilty on Monday in a court in Los Angeles. 

Reiner’s plea was entered by his public defender, with him sitting in court behind his attorney, within a glass-enclosed area. He had his head shaved and wore his brown prison clothes.

Reiner spoke briefly, answering some questions from the judge. He was ordered to continue to be held in prison without bail, and is scheduled for his next court date on April 29th. If Reiner were to be convicted, he could face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

“We take the process in which we determine whether or not the death penalty should be sought extremely seriously, and it goes through a very rigorous process,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “We will be looking at all aggravating and mitigating circumstances.”

© Michael Buckner

Rob and Michele Reiner, two beloved Hollywood figures

The stabbings of Rob and Michele Reiner took place late last year, with the couple found dead in their home. According to the LA County Medical Examiner, the couple died from multiple sharp force injuries.

Their deaths rattled Hollywood, with many notorious figures sharing tributes in the following deaths. Michele Reiner was a photographer and film producer. Rob was an actor and film director, known for his work in films like “When Harry Met Sally,” “This Is Spinal Tap,” “The Princess Bride,” and more. 

© Lester Cohen

The pair is survived by their children, Nick, Jake, 34, and Romy, 28. 

Rob is also survived by his daughter Tracy, 61, whom he shared with his ex-wife, the late Penny Marshall. He adopted her shortly after marrying Marshall, with the couple maintaining a relationship for a decade.

“I came from the greatest family ever,” said Tracy to NBC News, upon hearing the news of the Reiner’s death. “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”

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