entertainment news3 min(s) read
Chilling detail emerges about whereabouts of Rob Reiner's son shortly after Hollywood director and wife were found dead
Nick Reiner, 32, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his parents, acclaimed director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, authorities confirmed.
The tragic incident occurred at the family’s Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon, leaving friends, fans, and Hollywood colleagues in shock.
Emergency responders discovered the bodies of Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, at approximately 3:40PM on Sunday. The Los Angeles Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation, with the robbery and homicide division overseeing the case. Details of the deaths remain limited as authorities continue to investigate.
Nick Reiner has been charged with murder and is currently being held without bond at Los Angeles’ Twin Towers Jail. According to sources, he is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, December 16. The case is being presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for formal consideration.
Where Nick Reiner Was Found
Authorities confirmed that Nick was not at the family home when his parents’ bodies were discovered. Instead, he had left the Brentwood residence and was located a short distance away in the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California campus. Police arrested him around 9:15 PM, swiftly taking him into custody.
Nick Reiner. Credit: Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images.
Tensions at Holiday Party
The night before the killings, Nick attended a holiday party hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien alongside his parents. Sources present at the event told PEOPLE that Nick and Rob were allegedly involved in a “big fight,” and that Nick’s erratic behavior reportedly made other guests uncomfortable.
“Nick was freaking everyone out, acting crazy, kept asking people if they were famous,” one source claimed.
Family Background
Rob and Michele Reiner married in 1989 and had three children: Jake, Nick, and Romy. Prior to marrying Michele, Rob was married to Penny Marshall and adopted her daughter, Tracy.
Rob Reiner had a celebrated career as a filmmaker and actor, directing classics including This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally.
Michele Singer Reiner worked as a photographer, famously capturing the cover photo for Donald Trump’s book Trump: The Art of the Deal.
Nick Reiner’s Struggles
Nick has been open about his history of addiction and periods of homelessness. He told PEOPLE in 2016 that he began cycling in and out of rehab around age 15, and as his substance abuse escalated, he drifted farther from home, spending significant periods living unhoused across multiple states.
His struggles with addiction were explored in the 2016 film Being Charlie, which he co-wrote with his father, highlighting the challenges they faced together.
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead on December 14. Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images.
Hollywood and Public Reaction
The tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with colleagues and fans alike expressing condolences.
The family’s friends note that Nick’s personal struggles should not diminish the tragedy of the loss of Rob and Michele Reiner. Authorities continue to investigate, and the legal proceedings are expected to provide more clarity in the coming days.