Rob Reiner’s friend speaks out about ’emotional’ trial as son Nick enters plea
Jerry O’Connell, who described Rob Reiner as ‘a father,’ has said he will follow Nick Reiner’s trial closely – but admitted it is ‘churning up a lot of emotions’ for him
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Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty(Image: Getty Images)
Rob Reiner’s friend Jerry O’Connell has spoken out about Nick Reiner’s trial, which he described as “very emotional and chilling.”
The 52-year-old actor and veteran talk show host worked with Rob on the 1986 movie Stand by Me. He portrayed Vern in the film, starring alongside Will Wheaton, Corey Feldman, and the late River Phoenix. It was Jerry’s first job, as he was 12 when the film hit theaters.
Jerry was emotional on Fox 5’s Good Day New York when he was asked to share his thoughts after Rob’s son Nick – who is accused of killing his parents – pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder on Monday. Nick’s attorney, Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, entered the plea on his behalf as he stood behind glass in an enclosed custody area of the packed Los Angeles courtroom.
Rob, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found fatally stabbed at their home in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood of LA on December 14, 2025. An emotional Jerry shared, “It’s going to be very difficult going through this whole trial process. I’m going to be watching it closely in the hopes that it doesn’t become one of these circuses that sometimes happen around these murder trials.”
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Jerry O’Connell described Rob as ‘a father’(Image: Getty Images)
He added, “It’s very emotional and chilling, and it’s churning up a lot of emotions.” After Rob’s death, Jerry said it felt “like a parent had passed.” He said on CBS Mornings, “You know, I don’t mean this as any offense to my parents who are still with us [but] Rob was like a father to me. It’s just surreal.”
Nick has been held without bail since his arrest hours after the beloved actor-director and his photographer and producer wife were found dead in December. On February 23, Nick appeared in court with a shaved head and light facial hair, wearing brown jail clothes.
He talked to his lawyer briefly through the glass before the judge began the hearing. At one point, a low door in the enclosure was opened and they crouched down and spoke face-to-face. During the hearing, he spoke only to answer “yes” when the judge asked if he waived his right for next steps of the case to proceed speedily.
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Rob Reiner and his wife Michele’s autopsies are still incomplete(Image: BANG Showbiz)
He wasn’t wearing the suicide prevention smock he wore in his first court appearance in December days after his parents’ killings. The judge told Nick to return to court April 29 for the scheduling of a preliminary hearing where prosecutors will present evidence and a new judge will decide if it’s enough for him to go to trial.
The LA County Medical Examiner said in initial findings that Rob and his wife died from “multiple sharp force injuries.” Authorities said they were killed hours before their bodies were discovered. A court order has prevented the public release of more details.
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They were found dead at their home in LA on December 14(Image: Getty Images)
Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian said Monday that his office is still awaiting the full coroner’s report from the Medical Examiner, but all other evidence has been turned over to the defense. The prolific director’s work included some of the most memorable movies of the 1980s and 1990s.
His credits included This is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, and When Harry Met Sally, during the production of which he met Michele. They wed soon after and were married for 36 years.