Nick Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the killings of his parents, renowned actor and director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, authorities announced Tuesday.
The 32-year-old suspect is being held without bail and has remained in custody since Sunday evening. Police said the couple were found dead in their Los Angeles home after suffering fatal stab wounds. According to reports, their daughter, Romy Reiner, discovered the bodies and alerted authorities.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges in a statement, calling the killings both shocking and devastating. Hochman described Rob Reiner as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation and said the loss of both victims demanded accountability.
“These are deeply tragic crimes,” Hochman said, adding that cases involving family violence are among the most difficult to prosecute because of their personal and brutal nature.
Prosecutors have charged Nick Reiner with two counts of first-degree murder, including a special circumstance allegation for multiple murders. The charges also include a special allegation for the use of a dangerous weapon, identified as a knife.
Nick Reiner was not expected to appear in court on Tuesday. His defense attorney, Alan Jackson, told reporters that his client had not yet received medical clearance and would not attend court proceedings until at least Wednesday.
The killings have sent shockwaves through Hollywood and prompted an outpouring of tributes. Former President Barack Obama released a statement honoring the couple, saying they lived lives driven by purpose and compassion. Obama praised Rob Reiner’s contributions to film and television, while emphasizing his belief in the goodness of people and commitment to civic engagement.
A joint letter from close friends also paid tribute to the couple, describing them as deeply devoted to each other and to public causes. The letter was signed by figures including Billy Crystal, Albert Brooks, Martin Short, Larry David, Barry Levinson, and others. The signatories praised both Rob and Michele Reiner for dedicating their lives to improving society and supporting causes they believed in.
Rob Reiner rose to fame with his Emmy-winning role on the 1970s sitcom All in the Family before becoming a celebrated director. His films include This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, and The Princess Bride. Michele Singer Reiner was an accomplished photographer whose work included a portrait of Donald Trump used on the cover of The Art of the Deal. She also collaborated with her husband on several film projects.
Rob and Nick Reiner previously worked together on a 2015 film that explored Nick’s struggles with addiction and homelessness. Friends and family members have said Michele Reiner had recently expressed concern about Nick’s mental health.
According to media reports, Rob and Nick Reiner were overheard arguing at a Christmas party the night before the killings. A family friend told the Los Angeles Times that Nick had been living at the family’s Brentwood property.
The Los Angeles Police Department said officers responded to the Reiner residence shortly before 4 p.m. on Sunday. Investigators later determined the couple had been killed, and Nick Reiner was taken into custody that evening after authorities concluded he was responsible for their deaths.
