Los Angeles authorities have confirmed the tragic deaths of director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, who were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on Sunday, with their son Nick Reiner arrested in connection to the killings, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to ABC News.
Nick Reiner, 32, was taken into custody Sunday night, several hours after his parents were discovered in their home. He is currently being held without bail, according to law enforcement sources. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell expressed condolences, stating, “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the Reiners.”
Law enforcement sources told ABC News that Nick Reiner was not present at the residence when his parents were found and likely left the scene following the stabbings. Authorities later located him near the University of Southern California, where he was arrested for murder.
The Reiners’ daughter discovered the bodies of her parents on Sunday. Sources report that Rob and Nick Reiner had an argument at a holiday party on Saturday night, where Nick reportedly displayed unusual behavior.
Rob Reiner, 78, acclaimed director, producer, and actor, is celebrated for iconic films including The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, Stand by Me, This Is Spinal Tap, and A Few Good Men. Michele Singer, 68, and Rob married in 1989 and had three children together: Jake, Nick, and Romy. Reiner is also survived by daughter Tracy Reiner from his first marriage to Penny Marshall, who passed away in 2018.
The Reiner family issued a statement expressing profound sorrow: “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.”
Neighbors reported that actors Billy Crystal and Larry David visited the home after police arrived. The family owns two properties across the street from each other, with Rob and Michele living in one and their daughter in the other.
Rob Reiner, son of comedian Carl Reiner and actress Estelle Lebost, first rose to fame portraying Michael Stivic (“Meathead”) on Norman Lear’s TV sitcom All in the Family, earning two Emmy Awards for the role. The Lear family expressed devastation over the deaths, noting the close bond between Rob and Norman Lear.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the loss as devastating for the city and country, highlighting Reiner’s contributions to American culture and social advocacy. California Governor Gavin Newsom also expressed sorrow, praising Reiner’s empathy and creative legacy. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama stated that they were heartbroken by the passing, acknowledging Reiner’s achievements in film and television.
Earlier we wrote that Peter Greene, ‘Pulp Fiction’ Villain Actor, Dies at 60 in New York.
