Two High-Profile Murder Cases Advance in Los Angeles Courts

Nick Reiner Case

Nick Reiner, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his father, Rob Reiner, 78, and mother, Michele Singer Reiner, 70. The charges include special circumstances of multiple murders and an allegation of using a dangerous weapon—a knife. If convicted, the charges carry a maximum sentence of death.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office has stated a decision on whether to seek the death penalty has not yet been made, citing a rigorous evaluation process for aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

Reiner has entered a plea of not guilty. Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene submitted the plea on his behalf in a Los Angeles courtroom.

"We've investigated this matter top to bottom, back to front. What we've learned and pursuant to the law of this state, pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder."
— Alan Jackson, Reiner's initial defense attorney (prior to withdrawing from the case)

Court Proceedings and Timeline

December 14, 2025: Rob and Michele Reiner were found deceased with stab wounds at their residence in Brentwood, Los Angeles. The LA County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death for both individuals as "multiple sharp force injuries." Authorities stated the deaths occurred hours before the bodies were discovered.
December 17, 2025: Nick Reiner made an initial court appearance, during which he did not enter a plea. He was observed wearing shackles and a suicide prevention smock.
January (date unspecified): During a pretrial hearing, the court postponed proceedings to September due to ongoing evidence collection. Defense attorney Alan Jackson requested to withdraw from the case. Judge Theresa McGonigle approved the request and assigned Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene as Reiner's new attorney. The arraignment was rescheduled for February 23.
February 23 (date unspecified): A court appearance occurred. The judge scheduled Reiner to return to court on April 29 for the setting of a preliminary hearing. During this hearing, prosecutors will present evidence, and a judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

Legal Representation and Statements

Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian is leading the prosecution. Balian reported that his office is awaiting a full autopsy report, with all other evidence having been provided to the defense. A court order has restricted the release of further details, and no information regarding possible motives has been made public.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated: "We are fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt of the murder of his parents — Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner — and do so unanimously."

Legal experts have indicated the possibility of an insanity defense. Dmitry Gorin, a former LA County prosecutor, noted that the burden of proof for an insanity or mental impairment defense rests with the defense team.

Background

Nick Reiner, the third of Rob Reiner's four children, has been held without bail since his arrest on December 14, which took place hours after his parents' bodies were discovered. The night before the deaths, Reiner reportedly argued with his father at a holiday party and was acting strangely.

Nick Reiner has a documented history of substance abuse and previous attempts at rehabilitation. A decade ago, he publicly discussed his experiences with addiction and mental health, topics that loosely influenced the film Being Charlie, made with his father. Rob and Michele Reiner had reportedly expressed concerns about his behavior in the weeks preceding the killings.

Rob Reiner was a director whose credits include This is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, and When Harry Met Sally. He met Michele Singer, a photographer, during the production of When Harry Met Sally, and they married thereafter.

D4vd Case

Singer D4vd, legally named David Burke, is accused of sexually abusing and murdering 19-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. He has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors reported finding a significant amount of child sexual abuse material on his phone, as well as over 40 terabytes of evidence from computers, tablets, and iCloud.

A preliminary hearing status conference was scheduled to determine if the case will advance. A preliminary hearing could occur on May 1.

The autopsy report for Rivas Hernandez states she died from "multiple penetrating injuries" and certain drugs were found in her system. Her dismembered body was found in a Tesla belonging to D4vd.

D4vd is housed at Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.