The shocking deaths of Hollywood legend Rob Reiner and his wife Michele have taken an even darker turn. Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, has been arrested and booked in connection with the tragedy, and is being held on $4 million bail, according to police.
Authorities were initially tight-lipped about suspects when the 78-year-old director and his 68-year-old wife were found dead in their Brentwood home on Sunday. Both had suffered stab wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene around 3:40 p.m. at the 200 block of South Chadbourne Avenue.
“We understand that the person reporting was here at the location. We’re not going to release any information regarding the identity of that individual at this time,” LAPD Chief of Detectives Alan Hamilton said during a news briefing Sunday night. Earlier reports suggested the Reiners’ daughter was at the scene and spoke to investigators.
Hamilton did not identify the victims during the briefing, but a family spokesperson confirmed their identities in a statement obtained by the Los Angeles Times: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Reports emerged quickly after the discovery. People magazine, citing “multiple sources,” suggested the Reiners may have been killed by their son. TMZ later reported that the couple “had their throats slit by a family member, possibly after an argument.” Police have not confirmed those details. The LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division is investigating the apparent homicide.
The loss has resonated far beyond the family. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called Reiner’s death a devastating blow to both the city and the nation.
“Personally, I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob and his wife Michele. I knew Rob and have tremendous respect for him. Among his numerous contributions, Rob helped create First 5 California, a landmark initiative funded by a tobacco tax to support early childhood development programs. He and Michele fought for early childhood development and marriage equality, working to overturn Proposition 8. They were true champions for LGBTQ+ rights,” Bass said.
Rob Reiner, the son of comedian Carl Reiner, rose to fame in the early 1970s as Michael “Meathead” Stivic, Archie Bunker’s liberal son-in-law on All in the Family. He went on to become one of Hollywood’s most successful directors, with iconic films including When Harry Met Sally (1989) and A Few Good Men (1992).
What was already a tragic story for a celebrated family has now taken a chilling turn with the arrest of their son, leaving the public grappling with both shock and sorrow over what happened behind closed doors in one of Hollywood’s most prominent homes.
