April 29, 2026, 11:05 p.mApril 29, 2026, 11:05 p.m
Image: keystone
The violent death of “Harry and Sally” director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele caused consternation far beyond Hollywood – but a trial against their son Nick Reiner, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, is still a long time coming. The 32-year-old, who pleaded “not guilty” in February, briefly appeared before the judge in Los Angeles on Wednesday (local time). At the hearing, the next court date was not scheduled until mid-September.
Autopsy report is pending
The Los Angeles Times and other US media unanimously reported that the investigation into the murder case would continue to drag on. Accordingly, among other things, the final autopsy report is still missing. At the hearing in the fall, a decision will be made about further steps in the procedure after examining the evidence.
In mid-December, his murdered parents were discovered in a bedroom in their villa in the Brentwood district; six hours later, Reiner was arrested at night on the street near a gas station. The public prosecutor’s office charged the 32-year-old with two counts of premeditated murder in mid-December. If convicted, he faces life in prison and possibly even the death penalty.
Son Nick spoke about addiction and mental health issues
In the past, Nick Reiner has repeatedly spoken publicly about his battle with drug addiction and mental health problems. He is said to have most recently lived in a guest house on his parents’ property. The circumstances raise the question of whether Reiner’s lawyers will use his mental state as a defense. You could argue that the defendant was suffering from a severe mental disorder at the time of the crime and that instead of prison it would be appropriate to be committed to a psychiatric facility.
Rob Reiner (78) was known as the director of hit films such as “Harry and Sally”, “Misery” and “A Question of Honor”. His wife Michele (70) worked as a photographer and film producer. The couple, married since 1989, had three children together: Jake, Nick and Romy. The director also adopted the daughter of his first wife, Penny Marshall. (sda/dpa)