Rob Reiner’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested over the weekend in connection with the suspected homicide of his father and stepmother, Michele Singer Reiner.
According to law enforcement Reiner and Singer were found dead inside their Brentwood home on Saturday evening (Dec. 14), with reports indicating that both suffered traumatic injuries.
Nick Reiner was located hours later in South Los Angeles, near the University of Southern California campus — approximately 15 miles from the crime scene — and taken into custody around 9:15 p.m., law enforcement officials confirmed.
At a news conference on Monday (Dec. 15), Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell addressed the arrest and ongoing investigation.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the Reiners,” McDonnell said, calling the situation “a tragic incident.” He also confirmed that a search warrant had been issued for the Reiner property, adding, “It’s a critical piece of our investigation.”
Nick Reiner, who co-wrote the 2015 film Being Charlie — a semi-autobiographical story about a young man’s battle with addiction — has reportedly struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues for years. Sources told the Los Angeles Times that Reiner had cycled in and out of rehab facilities, experienced periods of homelessness, and had recently moved back into the family’s Brentwood home.
Reiner and Singer’s family confirmed their deaths in a statement yesterday, writing, “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.”
Rob Reiner, 78, was a prolific actor, writer, and director best known for helming classic films including Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, and The Princess Bride.
The son of The Dick Van Dyke Show creator Carl Reiner, he was also known for his social activism and outspoken political commentary. His wife, Michele Singer Reiner, was a photographer and activist in her own right.
Tributes poured in online following the news, with high-profile figures from music, film, politics, and beyond posting tributes to the couple.
From the music world, Paul McCartney shared an emotional Instagram post thanking Reiner “for all the humour” and calling the tragedy “heartbreaking,” while Elton John also paid tribute to the director behind the Spinal Tap films.
Members of Spinal Tap, including Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest (with Jamie Lee Curtis), have issued statements mourning Reiner and describing the deaths as “unspeakable” and “like Greek tragedy.”
As of Tuesday morning (Dec. 16), Nick Reiner remains in custody at the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center.
He is being held without bail pending formal charges from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. A preliminary court appearance is expected later this week.
