What happened

Emergency calls were logged with the Los Angeles Fire Department at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time on Sunday. Responders located a man and woman dead inside the Brentwood residence on Chadbourne Avenue; identities were confirmed as Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele singer Reiner, 68.

There was no forced entry observed at the scene.

Arrest and current status

Nearly six hours after the discovery, at about 9:15 p.m.,authorities arrested Nick Reiner,32,the couple’s son. By early Monday, police labeled the Reiners as homicide victims and indicated Nick was responsible for their deaths. Officials have not disclosed a formal method of death, though a law enforcement source told the Associated Press that investigators believe both victims were stabbed.Nick Reiner is being held without bail; a preliminary bail amount was set at $4 million.

The victims

Rob reiner, a veteran director and actor, and Michele Singer Reiner, were found inside their home on Chadbourne Avenue in Brentwood.Investigators noted no signs of forced entry at the residence, and the cause of death has not yet been officially released.

Who is Nick Reiner?

Nick is the middle son in the reiner family. Public reports describe a long struggle with substance abuse and periods of homelessness, including more than a dozen rehab stints. In 2015, he collaborated with his father on a semi-autobiographical film, Being Charlie, inspired by Nick’s battles with addiction and the father-son relationship. The project reportedly helped bring the two closer, though it did not precede the tragedy that unfolded this week.

Political reactions to the case

Former President donald Trump commented on Truth Social, suggesting Rob Reiner’s death related to a supposed condition he termed “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” a remark that drew bipartisan backlash for intruding on a family tragedy. Several Republican lawmakers cautioned against politicizing the incident, calling it a family matter rather than a political dispute.

Tributes to Rob Reiner

Hollywood and public figures responded with condolences. Fans left flowers at Reiner’s hollywood Walk of Fame star.Colleagues and friends, including Christopher Alex Reed and jamie Lee Curtis, and also Barack Obama, Stephen King, Josh Gad, and Maria Shriver, shared memories and expressions of mourning for the filmmaker behind iconic works such as When Harry Met sally, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, and This Is Spinal Tap.

Evergreen context for readers

• High-profile family tragedies demand careful, factual reporting to respect those impacted while informing the public.
• stories involving addiction and family history underscore the ongoing need for mental-health and addiction-support resources in communities.
• Ongoing investigations in homicide cases can take time; authorities may release additional details as evidence is reviewed.

Engagement

What should media balance when covering family tragedies connected to public figures? How can communities better support families dealing with addiction and the ripple effects it creates?

At-a-glance

Share your reflections on how public figures’ families are covered during crisis. Stay with us for updates as investigators continue their work.