Los Angeles police have arrested and charged Nick Reiner, the son of acclaimed Hollywood director and actor Rob Reiner, in connection with the fatal stabbing of his parents at their home in California.
Authorities confirmed on Monday that the 32-year-old suspect was taken into custody hours after the bodies of Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were discovered inside their residence in the upscale Brentwood area of Los Angeles.
Police Chief Jim McDonnell told reporters that Nick Reiner was arrested shortly after emergency services were alerted and was subsequently booked on two counts of murder.
“He was arrested a few hours after the incident was reported and remains in custody,” McDonnell said.
Multiple media reports indicate that the victims suffered fatal stab wounds, with some sources suggesting their throats were slashed. Investigators are yet to release further forensic details as inquiries continue.
According to reports, the suspect, who has a long history of substance abuse dating back to his teenage years, had been involved in a heated argument with his parents during a high-profile Hollywood gathering on Saturday night, just hours before the killings.
Entertainment outlet TMZ reported that the couple’s bodies were discovered on Sunday afternoon by their daughter, who allegedly informed police that another family member was responsible for the crime.
The shocking deaths have triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment industry and political circles.
However, the tragedy also sparked controversy after former U.S. President Donald Trump made inflammatory remarks suggesting Reiner’s outspoken criticism of him had provoked hostility.
Trump later reiterated his comments to reporters, describing Reiner as “very bad for the country.”
The remarks drew condemnation from figures across the political spectrum, including Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who described them as “inappropriate and disrespectful.”
In an ironic footnote to the political reaction, it emerged that Michele Reiner had photographed the portrait used for Trump’s memoir, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner, the son of legendary comedian Carl Reiner, was widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers.
He first gained fame as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking television series All in the Family before transitioning into a celebrated directing career.
His filmography includes classics such as This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, and A Few Good Men, the latter earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
Beyond filmmaking, Reiner was known for his strong political views and advocacy for progressive causes, including marriage equality and early childhood development initiatives in California.
Prominent figures, including Stephen King, John Cusack, Kathy Bates, and Ben Stiller described Reiner as kind, principled, and artistically fearless.
Former President Barack Obama said the filmmaker’s work reflected “a deep belief in the goodness of people,” while California Governor Gavin Newsom said Reiner’s contributions “made California a better place.”
Son charged with murder of renowned film director Rob Reiner, wife
