LOS ANGELES — Jake Reiner gave his first sit-down interview regarding the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, who were found dead from stab wounds at their home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles on December 14, 2025. Nick Reiner has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and lying in wait.

Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty to the charges. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for September 15. Jake Reiner, 35, said he has not spoken to his brother Nick, 32, and has not attended any of his brother’s court hearings. Jake declined to say whether he would want to speak to his brother in the future or whether he was surprised to learn his brother was the main suspect.

Romy Reiner, 28, discovered the body of her father. She lived across the street from her parents at the time of their deaths. On the day of the murders, Jake was at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles attending a celebration of life event for a high school friend when Romy called him twice; he screened the first call but answered the second.

Rob Reiner was 78 and Michele Singer Reiner was 70 at the time of their deaths. Rob directed films including The Princess Bride, This Is Spinal Tap, and Stand By Me. Nick wrote and Rob directed the 2015 film Being Charlie, which was loosely based on Nick’s life and struggles with addiction.

Jake worked as a local news reporter for 10 years. He is working with the Children's Institute, an organization his parents supported. Rob previously served as emcee of the institute's annual Cape & Gown Gala, which is scheduled for November 8 at the Beverly Wilshire. The gala will present the Rob and Michele Reiner Champion for Change Award to actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

Nick attempted to access $1.6 million from a trust set up by his parents to pay his legal fees. The professional fiduciary and trustees blocked access, citing California’s slayer statute, which prevents anyone from financially benefiting from the estate of a person they are accused of killing. If convicted, Nick could face the death penalty, though prosecutors have not indicated whether they will pursue capital punishment.

Why It Matters

The case involves the stabbing deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, and the subsequent indictment of their son Nick Reiner on two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances. The legal proceedings include potential capital punishment, though prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will pursue it. The application of California’s slayer statute has prevented Nick Reiner from accessing trust funds for his defense, showing the intersection of criminal law and estate administration.

Jake Reiner’s first sit-down interview provides insight into the family’s experience, including the trauma of the crime scene and the estrangement from his brother. The survivors are navigating grief while managing public appearances and efforts to preserve their parents' legacy through organizations like the Children's Institute. The upcoming pre-trial hearing on September 15 marks the next step in the judicial process.

Timeline

On June 24, 2016, State v. Superior Court of Los Angeles County — State v. Superior Court of Los Angeles County — California Court of Appeal — Opinion KRIEGLER, Acting P. J. Petitioner State of California (the State) seeks extraordinary writ relief to compel respondent court to vacate its June 24, 2016 order directin. On December 14, 2025, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead from stab wounds at their home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. On December 14, 2025, Romy Reiner discovered the body of her father, Rob Reiner.

What's New

Later reporting indicates that Jake Reiner and Romy Reiner made their first public appearance since their parents' deaths on August 2 at Dodger Stadium, where they participated in the ceremonial first pitch. Additional details reveal that Jake Reiner was at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles attending a celebration of life event for a high school friend when his sister called him on the day of the murders. It was also reported that Romy Reiner called Jake Reiner twice on the day of the murders; he screened the first call but answered the second.

Jake Reiner stated: "As a reporter, I did it for 10 years, I came up on crime scenes all the time, but when it's your crime scene, a crime scene at your childhood home, it’s like the most surreal thing I've ever seen." Further background shows Jake Reiner worked as a local news reporter for 10 years, starting on California's Central Coast and later reporting in Los Angeles. Records confirm Rob Reiner was 78 years old at the time of his death. Jake Reiner is working with the Children's Institute, an organization that serves about 30,000 children and families each year. Jake Reiner stated: "It feels like eight years at the same time. And it also feels like eight minutes because every moment that I wake up, I'm reminded of my reality."