• Nick Reiner, 32, has pleaded not guilty to murdering his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner.
• The couple was found dead in December with multiple stab wounds at their Los Angeles home.
• If convicted, Reiner faces life imprisonment or the death penalty.
• His next court appearance is scheduled for April 29, 2024.
• Reiner's former attorney withdrew before the arraignment due to unspecified circumstances.

Nick Reiner, the son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday and pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder. His parents, Rob Reiner, 79, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were found dead in their Brentwood home on December 14 with multiple stab wounds. The case has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, heightening media interest in the proceedings, according to CBS News and Channel News Asia.

During his arraignment, Nick Reiner wore a brown jail jumpsuit and was represented by his public defender, Kimberly Greene, since his previous attorney, Alan Jackson, withdrew from the case. Jackson cited "circumstances beyond (his) control" and stated outside the courthouse, "pursuant to the laws of California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder," though he did not elaborate further on his departure, as reported by BBC and South China Morning Post.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Rob and Michele Reiner died from "multiple sharp force injuries," which were sustained prior to being discovered. Prosecutors allege that Nick fatally stabbed both victims inside their home, with prosecutors stating he fled the scene. The court has scheduled a preliminary hearing for April 29, where evidence will be presented to determine if the case should proceed to trial, according to CBS News and Channel News Asia.

Nick Reiner has been held without bail since his arrest hours after the bodies were found. He reportedly lived in a guest house on his parents' property and had been seen acting erratically just days before the incident, which deepened the complexities surrounding the case. His family had been expected to host a dinner with former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle shortly after the murders, creating a stark contrast to the events that transpired, as detailed by BBC and South China Morning Post.