Los Angeles: The son of acclaimed Hollywood actor and director Rob Reiner has been arrested and charged with the murder of his parents after the couple was found dead at their Los Angeles home.
Nick Reiner, 32, was taken into custody and booked on two counts of murder. He is being held on a $4 million bond, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Authorities responded to a call reporting a death at the family’s residence in the upscale Brentwood neighbourhood on Sunday, where they discovered the bodies of Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Reiner, 70. Local media reports said the couple had suffered fatal stab wounds.
Nick Reiner had spoken publicly for years about his struggles with substance abuse, including repeated stints in rehabilitation facilities and periods of homelessness. In past interviews, he described entering rehab as a teenager and cycling in and out of treatment centres well into adulthood. His experiences later formed the basis of the 2016 film Being Charlie, which he co-wrote with his father.
Rob Reiner was one of Hollywood’s most respected and versatile figures, first rising to fame as an actor before building a celebrated career as a filmmaker. He became a household name in the 1970s through his role as Mike Stivic on the television classic All in the Family, earning two Emmy Awards. He later transitioned behind the camera, directing a string of iconic films including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men.
Rob Reiner and his wife were tragically killed at the hands of their own son, who reportedly had drug addiction and other issues, and their remaining children are left in serious mourning and heartbreak.
This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies.
Many… pic.twitter.com/uVd3lGVEgm
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) December 15, 2025
Tributes poured in following news of his death, with colleagues and public figures recalling his influence on American cinema and culture. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Reiner’s work had left a lasting mark both creatively and socially, noting his outspoken support for progressive causes over several decades.
Michele Reiner, a former photographer, was also known for her work behind the lens and for her involvement in arts and civic life alongside her husband. The couple had been married for many years and shared three children.
The investigation into the killings remains ongoing. Police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths, and court proceedings against Nick Reiner are expected to continue in the coming days.
