By Adeola Adeosun and Gabe Whisnant
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The Los Angeles Police Department announced Monday that detectives determined Rob and Michele Reiner were victims of homicide and that their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was "responsible" for their deaths.
Reiner has been arrested and is being held without bail at the Inmate Reception Center in Los Angeles, according to jail records obtained by Newsweek and a LAPD press release.
The LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division announced the arrest following the murders that occurred at the couple's Brentwood home on Sunday. Police Chief Jim McDonnell said earlier Monday that Reiner was being held on $4 million bail, but jail records now show he is being held without bail.
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The Context
The acclaimed filmmaker and his wife, Michele, were found dead inside their Los Angeles home Sunday evening.
The couple had three children together: Romy, Jake and Nick. Rob Reiner had also adopted Tracy Reiner, the biological daughter of his first wife, Penny Marshall. He was among Hollywood’s most prolific film directors, known for movies including When Harry Met Sally…, The Princess Bride and A Few Good Men.
What To Know
According to the LAPD press release, officers responded to a death investigation call at approximately 3:40 p.m. on December 14 in the 200 block of South Chadbourne Avenue. Officers discovered two victims inside the residence, later identified as Rob and Michele Reiner. The Robbery Homicide Division's Homicide Special Section initiated an investigation into the circumstances of their deaths.
An investigation revealed that Nick Reiner was "responsible" for the deaths of his parents, according to the LAPD. He was located and arrested at approximately 9:15 p.m. and booked for murder.
Nick Reiner has spoken publicly about his struggles with addiction. By 18, he had cycled in and out of treatment facilities with bouts of homelessness and relapses in between. Rob and Nick Reiner explored their difficult relationship and Nick's struggles with drugs in a semi-autobiographical 2016 film, Being Charlie.
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Along with his storied film career, Reiner was known for his TV roles, including that of Michael "Meathead" Stivic on the 1970s sitcom All in the Family, which catapulted him to fame and earned him two Emmy Awards.
The son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, he married photographer Michele Singer Reiner in 1989 while directing When Harry Met Sally....
What People Are Saying
A Reiner family spokesperson wrote in a statement: "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."
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass: "Rob Reiner's contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice. An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others."
California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X: “Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as The Princess Bride to A Few Good Men. His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others—and encouraging us to dream bigger.
"That empathy extended well beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights—from taking on Big Tobacco, fighting for marriage equality, to serving as a powerful voice in early education. He made California a better place through his good works."
Former President Barack Obama wrote on X: "Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them."
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement: "The news of a deadly assault on Rob and Michele Reiner in their home is devastating. It’s hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor they pursued. Rob was creative, funny, and beloved. And in all of their endeavors, Michele was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and a loving wife."
Actor Josh Gad wrote on Instagram: "He was one of the greatest directors of our time. He was a friend. He was simply a beautiful person. Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were two of the most kind and caring souls you could ever imagine. He cared so much for those who had no voices. This loss is devastating. I cannot express how much this hurts. Love you Rob and Michelle. Thank you for all you gave us."
**Norman Lear family statement: "**Norman often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary, to us and the world. Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place, and they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends."
What Happens Next
The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday for consideration of filing.
Update 12/15/25, 4:38 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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