Hollywood actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, were found murdered inside their Los Angeles residence Sunday afternoon, according to law enforcement officials.
Police told The Associated Press that the discovery has triggered a full homicide investigation and a flurry of national attention surrounding the circumstances of their shocking deaths.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement calling the news “heartbroken,” adding:
“Personally, I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob and his wife Michele.
“I knew Rob and have tremendous respect for him.”
A family spokesperson confirmed the deaths to Variety, stating:
“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.”
Bodies Discovered in Brentwood Estate
Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the couple’s Brentwood home on the 200 block of Chadbourne Ave. around 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
A 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were found dead inside, authorities revealed.
The LAPD announced on X: “On December 14th, at 3:40 pm, LAPD officers responded to a death investigation in the 200 block of S. Chadbourne Ave.
“Inside the residence, officers discovered 2 decedents.
“The identity of the decedents has not yet been confirmed.”
The department added, “Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) responded to the residence, which has been identified as the home of Rob Reiner.
“At this time, no further details are available as this is an ongoing RHD investigation into an apparent homicide.”
The victims were later confirmed to be the Reiners.
Officials have not released a motive.
Sources told the AP the victims suffered multiple severe stab wounds.
Family Member Being Questioned
Police revealed they are questioning a relative of Rob Reiner in connection with the alleged murders.
However, they did not reveal the identity of the family member.
Yet, multiple sources close to the family told PEOPLE that Nick Reiner killed his father and mother, though police have not confirmed this account.
The Reiners were reportedly found by their daughter Romy, the sources told the outlet.
No arrests have been made.
Nick Reiner, 32, has previously spoken publicly about past struggles with addiction and homelessness.
Heavy police presence remained outside the residence late Sunday as investigators waited for a warrant to reenter the home.
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said the house remains exactly as officers first found it.
“We’re going to try to speak to every family member that we can to get to the facts of this investigation,” Hamilton said.
Police have not yet identified a suspect, and no one is in custody.
A neighbor told ABC7 that Larry David and Billy Crystal visited the scene separately, with Crystal reportedly appearing emotional.
Legacy of a Hollywood Fixture
Reiner, 78, directed several of the most iconic films of the 1980s and 1990s, including “Stand By Me,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “A Few Good Men,” “Misery,” “The Princess Bride,” and “The American President.”
His 1984 mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap” became a cultural landmark, spawning a sequel released in September.
Before becoming a director, Reiner achieved fame as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on “All In The Family,” earning two Emmy Awards and five Golden Globe nominations.
He remained active in film and political advocacy throughout his career.
Michele Reiner, a photographer, met Rob on the set of “When Harry Met Sally.”
They married in 1989 and raised three children together.
Troubled Family History
Nick Reiner’s past struggles have been widely documented.
In interviews surrounding the release of “Being Charlie,” the semi-autobiographical film he co-wrote, Nick discussed years of addiction, homelessness, and repeated rehab stays.
“I was homeless in Maine,” he told People in 2016, adding,
“I was homeless in New Jersey.
“I was homeless in Texas.
“When I was out there, I could’ve died.
“It’s all luck,” he added.
“You roll the dice and you hope you make it.”
Nick also spoke candidly about strained periods in his relationship with his father during his youth.
Statements From Officials
Mayor Bass issued a broader statement Sunday evening, calling the deaths “a devastating loss for our city and our country” and noting:
“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.”
The LA County Coroner will make the formal identification.
The investigation remains active as detectives work to determine what led to the couple’s deaths.
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