Rob Reiner’s son, 32-year-old Nick Reiner, has been arrested after the film director and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home. Police said both victims were discovered with multiple stab wounds. Emergency services were called to the Brentwood property on Sunday afternoon, and the Los Angeles Fire Department pronounced the couple dead at the scene.
Sources told CBS News that the couple’s daughter, 28-year-old Romy Reiner, found her parents after arriving at the house to check on them when a masseuse reported they had not answered the door. She alerted police immediately. According to reports, Romy informed officers that a family member “should be a suspect” and described them as “dangerous”, though police have not commented on these claims.
Nick Reiner was arrested at about 21:15 on Sunday and booked on suspicion of murder. He is being held without bail and investigators have not outlined a possible motive. Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
Sources told US media that Nick had attended a holiday party with his parents the night before the killings. Guests reported that he became involved in a loud argument with them before leaving, and was described as behaving erratically. Reports also noted that Nick has previously spoken publicly about his struggles with drug addiction and mental health challenges, which formed the basis of the semi-autobiographical film Being Charlie, made with his father in 2015.
Rob Reiner, aged 78, was known for directing several landmark films, including When Harry Met Sally, This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, Misery and A Few Good Men. He began his career in the 1960s and became widely recognised for his role in All in the Family before moving into directing. Michele Singer Reiner, 68, was an actress, photographer and producer, and founded the photography agency Reiner Light. The couple married in 1989 and had three children.
On Monday morning, a security guard remained outside the Brentwood home as media gathered nearby. The bodies remain in the property as investigators continue their work. The Los Angeles County Coroner will formally identify the victims.
Tributes have been issued across the film industry and political circles. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the deaths as a “devastating loss”, praising Reiner’s cultural influence and longstanding political advocacy. President Donald Trump posted a message referring to Reiner’s criticisms of him, prompting condemnation from several Republicans who said the deaths were a family tragedy and should not be politicised.