Son of Rob and Michele Reiner Charged With First-Degree Murder in Fatal Stabbings

Los Angeles prosecutors have charged Nick Reiner, the son of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner, with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with their fatal stabbing deaths, authorities said.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the 32-year-old also faces a special allegation for allegedly using a knife, a factor that could elevate potential sentencing if he is convicted. Reiner is being held without bail, and his arraignment is expected to be scheduled at a later date.

The case has drawn national attention, both because of Rob Reiner’s prominent career in film and the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which law enforcement officials described as deeply personal and still under investigation.

Charges Filed as Investigation Continues

According to the district attorney’s office, Nick Reiner is accused of fatally stabbing his parents during the early morning hours of December 14 at their residence in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Prosecutors said the case involves alleged multiple murders, qualifying it for special circumstances under California law.

If convicted, Reiner could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said no decision has been made on whether prosecutors will seek capital punishment, adding that the office will take the wishes of the victims’ family into consideration.

Nick Reiner’s arraignment date has not yet been announced. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to review evidence and timelines connected to the deaths.

Arrest Made Without Incident Near USC

Los Angeles police said Nick Reiner was taken into custody Sunday night in the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California campus. Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said Reiner did not resist arrest and was detained without incident.

The arrest followed a coordinated effort involving the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division, gang and narcotics detectives, and a U.S. Marshals Service task force, officials said. Law enforcement has not disclosed whether information from family members played a role in locating him.

Photos of the arrest were briefly posted by the LAPD’s gang and narcotics division on Instagram before being removed. The department declined to comment on why the images were deleted.

Discovery of the Bodies

Police were called to the Reiners’ home Sunday afternoon after a family member discovered the bodies, according to an individual familiar with the situation. The couple’s daughter, Romy Reiner, who lives across the street, went to check on her parents around 3 p.m. local time after being unable to reach them.

After discovering their bodies, Romy Reiner left the home and asked a friend to call 911, the individual said. When officers arrived, Nick Reiner was not present at the residence.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said investigators are still working to determine whether the killings occurred late Saturday night or early Sunday morning, a detail that could have implications for how the case is prosecuted.

Background and Living Arrangements

Investigators learned that Nick Reiner had been staying in a guest house on the property separate from the main residence, according to officials and individuals familiar with the family situation. Authorities also became aware of a prior argument between Nick Reiner and his parents at a holiday gathering the night before the deaths.

Officials acknowledged that they are aware of Nick Reiner’s history of substance abuse, but emphasized that the investigation remains focused on evidence gathered at the scene and during the arrest.

In a 2018 appearance on the podcast Dopey, which focuses on addiction and recovery, Nick Reiner spoke publicly about living in his parents’ guest house during a period of active drug use. He described an episode in which he became agitated after days without sleep and damaged parts of the guest house during an outburst.

Authorities have not said whether those past statements are relevant to the current investigation.

Industry Tributes to Rob Reiner

News of Rob Reiner’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from actors and filmmakers who worked with him over his decades-long career. Reiner was widely known for directing films including When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, and Stand By Me.

Several cast members from Stand By Me, which will mark its 40th anniversary next year, described Reiner as a mentor and father figure. Actor Jerry O’Connell said Reiner “was like a father” to him and credited the director with shaping his career.

Corey Feldman, in a post on Instagram, recalled Reiner as a “surrogate father” on set, particularly to himself and the late River Phoenix. Wil Wheaton wrote in a blog post that Reiner treated him “with more kindness, care, and love” than his own father, calling the loss deeply painful.

Officials Call Case ‘Heartbreaking’

At a press briefing, District Attorney Hochman described cases involving family members as among the most difficult to prosecute. Police Chief McDonnell echoed that sentiment, calling the deaths “heartbreaking and deeply personal,” not only for the Reiner family but for the city as a whole.

Authorities stressed that the legal process is still in its early stages and urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions while investigators complete their work.

For now, the case remains a stark and tragic chapter involving a family long associated with American film and cultural life, now at the center of a high-profile criminal investigation.