Historic actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead with stab wounds in their Hollywood home Dec. 14.
Reiner and his wife were discovered by their 28-year-old daughter, Romy Reiner, around 3:30 p.m. After discovering the bodies, she contacted police, and an investigation was launched. Investigators described the scene as extremely violent.
Officers at the scene interviewed Reiner’s daughter about potential suspects. She told officers she believed her brother could be dangerous. A manhunt was launched, and Nick Reiner was found about six hours later at Exposition Park near the USC campus. He was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He is being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles.
Police said they are investigating whether the deaths may have stemmed from a personal dispute. Nick Reiner’s motive has not been confirmed, but investigators are examining an incident that occurred the night before the deaths.
Nick Reiner and his parents had attended a Christmas party hosted by late-night television host Conan O’Brien. During the event, witnesses said Nick Reiner was involved in a verbal confrontation with actor Bill Hader after interrupting a private conversation Hader was having with two other guests. Witnesses said Reiner became upset, stormed off and was later seen arguing with his parents. Authorities said they are investigating whether substance abuse may have played a role.
Nick Reiner has not been medically cleared to appear in court. His attorney, Alan Jackson, said in a statement, “Once he is medically cleared, he will be brought to court to be arraigned on these charges. At that point, he will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.”
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges, which include a special allegation for the use of a knife, classified as a dangerous and deadly weapon. Hochman said prosecutors will consider the family’s wishes when deciding whether to seek the death penalty. Nick Reiner is currently the only person charged in the case.
Rob Reiner was best known for directing and producing films such as “The Sure Thing,” “Stand by Me,” “The Princess Bride” and “When Harry Met Sally.” He also appeared in “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Beyond his film career, Reiner was a longtime activist for LGBTQ+ rights. He co-founded the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which helped fund the federal court challenge Hollingsworth v. Perry that overturned Proposition 8, California’s ban on same-sex marriage. He also led a successful campaign in the early 2000s to protect Ahmanson Ranch, preserving nearly 3,000 acres as a state park and wildlife refuge.
Reiner and his wife’s sudden deaths have left a void in the Hollywood community.
