Nick Reiner, 32, the son of filmmaker Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, pleaded not guilty Monday to two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of his parents in December. The arraignment was held in a packed Los Angeles courtroom, where Reiner appeared behind glass in an enclosed custody area. He did not address the court beyond routine responses.

Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene entered the plea on his behalf. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 29, where prosecutors will present evidence and a judge will decide whether there is enough to proceed to trial. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the office has not yet decided whether it will seek the death penalty, noting the decision “goes through a very rigorous process” and considers all aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

Reiner has been held without bail since his arrest following the discovery of his parents’ bodies on December 14 at their Brentwood home. Initial findings from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner indicate that Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, died from multiple sharp-force injuries, likely inflicted hours before they were discovered.

Nick Reiner’s former attorney, Alan Jackson, withdrew from the case last month for reasons he described as beyond our control, but more importantly, beyond Nick's control.” Jackson said he could not legally or ethically explain all the reasons for his withdrawal, but emphasized his commitment to Reiner’s defense and expressed confidence that the legal process would reveal the true facts of the case.

Nick Reiner faces two counts of first-degree murder with a special circumstance allegation tied to multiple homicides. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole, and the case is eligible for the death penalty. Court records and prior reporting note Reiner’s struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues.

The deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner stunned Hollywood. Witnesses alleged that Nick had been behaving erratically at a party hosted by Conan O’Brien shortly before the killings. His siblings, Romy, 28, and Jake, 34, issued a statement following his first court appearance:

“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day. The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”

Romy Reiner also told responding officers that Nick had been living in the home and described him as “dangerous.”

The case continues to develop as the legal process moves forward, with investigators awaiting a full autopsy report and defense and prosecution preparing for the preliminary hearing in April.