Killings of Rob Reiner, Wife Shock Hollywood as Son Misses Court Hearing/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The killings of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, have stunned Hollywood and political circles. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested and is being held without bail but did not appear in court due to medical reasons. Prosecutors are reviewing the case as investigators continue to withhold details about a motive.
Quick Look:
- Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their Brentwood home
- Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested hours later and is jailed without bail
- Nick Reiner skipped his initial court appearance citing medical reasons
- Investigators believe the couple died from stab wounds
- Prosecutors are reviewing evidence to determine charges
- Hollywood figures and political leaders paid tribute to the couple
- Rob Reiner was an Emmy-winning actor and acclaimed director
- Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer, producer, and LGBTQ+ advocate
- No motive has been disclosed by police
- The case has drawn national attention due to the family’s prominence
Killings of Rob Reiner, Wife Shock Hollywood as Son Misses Court Hearing
Deep Look
The killings of acclaimed filmmaker and political activist Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, have sent shockwaves through Hollywood and Democratic political circles, as authorities prepare to present evidence against their son to prosecutors.
Los Angeles police said they are finalizing a case against Nick Reiner, the couple’s 32-year-old son, following his arrest in connection with their deaths. Prosecutors are now reviewing whether and how to formally charge him. Nick Reiner is being held in jail without bail.
Reiner did not appear in court Tuesday as scheduled. His attorney, Alan Jackson, told reporters outside the courthouse that his client was unable to attend due to a medical issue. Jackson said he did not know the nature of the condition but expected Reiner to appear by Wednesday.
Police said Nick Reiner was arrested several hours after his parents were found dead Sunday inside their home in the affluent Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Investigators have not publicly disclosed a motive.
A law enforcement official briefed on the investigation said Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner are believed to have died from stab wounds. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss details of the ongoing case.
The deaths have been particularly jarring given the couple’s warm public image and long-standing presence in entertainment and political activism.
Rob Reiner rose to fame as an Emmy-winning actor on the sitcom “All in the Family” before becoming one of Hollywood’s most successful directors. His film credits include “This Is Spinal Tap,” “When Harry Met Sally…,” “The Princess Bride,” and “A Few Good Men.”
Michele Singer Reiner was a respected photographer and producer, as well as a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. The couple had been married for 36 years and were known as generous donors to Democratic causes.
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry and beyond. Actress Kathy Bates, who won an Academy Award for her role in Reiner’s film “Misery,” praised him as a brilliant and kind artist who challenged himself across genres. She also described Michele Singer Reiner as a gifted photographer.
Former President Bill Clinton called the couple “good, generous people” who inspired those around them and said they uplifted millions through their work in film and television.
The tragedy is compounded by the family’s legacy in comedy and film. Rob Reiner was the son of legendary comedian and filmmaker Carl Reiner, who died in 2020 at age 98.
Just three months ago, Nick Reiner was photographed with his parents and siblings at the premiere of his father’s film “Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues.” In the past, Nick Reiner spoke openly about his struggles with addiction, including periods of homelessness and repeated stays in treatment facilities during his teenage years.
Rob Reiner and his son explored their complicated relationship in the 2016 film “Being Charlie,” which Nick co-wrote and Rob directed. The movie, while fictional, drew on personal experiences involving addiction and family strain. At the time, Rob Reiner said the project helped them better understand one another, regardless of the film’s reception.
The killings have also sparked political controversy. President Donald Trump drew criticism after suggesting on social media that Rob Reiner’s outspoken opposition to him played a role in the killing, a claim unsupported by authorities.
As investigators continue their work, law enforcement officials have remained tight-lipped about evidence and possible motives. Prosecutors are expected to make a charging decision once the case review is complete.
