Nick Reiner, son of famed director Rob Reiner and producer-photographer Michele, has been arrested in connection with the homicide of his parents.
On December 15 at approximately 9:15 p.m. Pacific Time, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) arrested Nick on suspicion of murder. As of writing, he remains in custody without bail, and his case is set to be presented to the District Attorney’s Office on December 16. The LAPD has cited Nick as “responsible” for the two deaths.
The bodies of Rob and Michele were found on December 14, when LAPD officers responded to the call of a death investigation in the couple’s Brentwood home. The couple’s daughter, Romy, discovered the bodies. They were found stabbed to death.
As reported by The New York Times, authorities focused “almost immediately” on Nick as a suspect in the case, due to his struggles with drug abuse and homelessness. The night before the double homicide, Rob and Nick were allegedly seen arguing at a holiday party at the home of Conan O’Brien, although sources claim that it was unclear what the argument was about.
Remembering Rob Reiner
Rob Reiner was born to actress Estelle and director Carl Reiner, who was best known for creating the sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show in the 1960s. Rob himself entered the limelight in the 70s when he played Meathead on the sitcom All in the Family.
Rob eventually pivoted to directing, making his directorial debut with the 1984 mockumentary cult classic This is Spinal Tap, which follows the journey of a washed-up British metal band. His other major directorial successes include Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally, the latter of which is where he met his wife, Michele.
Beyond Hollywood, Rob was an outspoken advocate of a range of political causes. As a staunch Democrat, Rob led a successful California ballot initiative to tax tobacco products to fund early childhood programs. In 2012, he and his wife supported a legal campaign to persuade the Supreme Court to establish a constitutional right of same-sex marriage.
Since Rob’s death, President Donald Trump has written a message on Truth Social criticizing the late director and linking his death to “a mind crippling disease known as Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Politicians from Trump’s own Republican party, such as Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, have criticized him for the statement.
