Rob Reiner’s Son Nick Speaks in Court for the First Time, Appears in Suicide Prevention Smock

Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of filmmaker Rob Reiner, spoke publicly for the first time in court Wednesday as he faces murder charges in the deaths of his parents.

Nick appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on Dec. 17 wearing a blue suicide prevention smock and shackles. Seated behind glass, he stared forward while his attorney, Alan Jackson, declined to enter a plea on his behalf.

When the judge asked whether he agreed to waive his right to a speedy arraignment, Nick responded quietly, “Yes, your honor.” His arraignment has been scheduled for Jan. 7, 2026.

Following the brief hearing, Jackson told reporters the case involves “very complex and serious issues” that must be examined “thoroughly, but very carefully.”

Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70. Prosecutors are also pursuing sentencing enhancements, including special circumstances for multiple murders and allegations that a “dangerous and deadly” weapon — believed to be a knife — was used, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

If convicted, Nick could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. He is currently being held without bail.

Authorities say Los Angeles Fire Department personnel discovered Rob and Michele dead inside their Brentwood home shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, after responding to a call for medical assistance. Approximately six hours later, Nick was arrested near the University of Southern California campus in connection with the killings.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the couple was killed during the early morning hours of Sunday.

Multiple sources told PEOPLE that the alleged murders followed a heated argument between Rob and Nick at a Christmas party hosted by Conan O’Brien on Saturday night.

“Nick was freaking everyone out, acting erratically,” one source said. “He kept asking people if they were famous.”

Investigators have not publicly identified a motive, though Nick has previously spoken about long-standing struggles with addiction and homelessness that began in his teenage years.

A source close to the Reiner family told PEOPLE, “They tried everything — giving him space, keeping him close — but his struggles run so deep. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare.”

Rob and Michele, who married in 1989, are also survived by their two other children, son Jake and daughter Romy. In a statement released Wednesday, Jake and Romy described the loss of their parents as “something that no one should ever experience.”

“We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support from people around the world,” the statement read. “We now ask for respect and privacy, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.”