Rob Reiner and Wife Found Dead; Son Held in Custody Amid Apparent Homicide Investigation

Rob Reiner, the beloved director and actor, and his wife Michele were found dead Sunday in their Los Angeles home, sparking an investigation that has now led to the arrest of their 32‑year‑old son.

Deaths at the Reiner Residence

Los Angeles Fire Department responders arrived after a medical aid request shortly after 3:30 p.m. They discovered a 78‑year‑old man and a 68‑year‑old woman dead inside the Brentwood‑area home. The deceased were identified as director Rob Reiner, who turned 78 in March, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner.

Investigation of Apparent Homicide

Detectives with the Robbery Homicide Division are treating the case as an “apparent homicide”. Capt. Mike Bland told the AP that investigators believe the couple suffered stab wounds. Los Angeles authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of other people found at the residence, but the evidence points to the Reiners.

Nick Reiner in Police Custody

On Monday, 32‑year‑old Nick Reiner was booked by Los Angeles police and remained in jail. The online jail records show a $4 million bail was set, but the charges remain undisclosed. A law‑enforcement official, briefed on the investigation and speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the son was being held but could not discuss details.

Family and Public Reaction

Representatives for the Reiner family did not respond to requests for comment, and it is unclear whether Nick Reiner has an attorney. The Los Angeles mayor, Karen Bass, described the director’s death as a “devastating loss for the city.” She said, “Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice. An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others.”

Legacy of Rob Reiner

Reiner’s career spanned decades, with films such as This is Spinal Tap, A Few Good Men, When Harry Met Sally, and The Princess Bride. He also earned two Emmy Awards for his role as Meathead in the 1970s TV classic All in the Family. The director was the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner and had been married to photographer Michele Singer Reiner since 1989; they had three children: Nick, Jake, and Romy.

Norman Lear’s Tribute

Relatives of producer Norman Lear, who died in 2023, expressed their sorrow. A Lear family statement read, “Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary, to us and the world. Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place, and they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends.”

Context of the Brentwood Neighborhood

Killings are rare in the Brentwood area, which is about a mile from the home where O.J. Simpson’s wife Nicole Brown Simpson and friend Ron Goldman were killed in 1994. The tragedy marks a stark contrast to the neighborhood’s typical safety record.

Key Takeaways

• Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead Sunday in their Los Angeles home.
• Their 32‑year‑old son Nick has been booked into jail with a $4 million bail set.
• Investigators believe the couple suffered stab wounds and are treating the case as an apparent homicide.

The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the Hollywood legend and his wife.