In a tragic and chilling turn of events, Hollywood film director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead in their Los Angeles home, with their son now in custody in connection with the murders. The grim discovery came just months after Reiner gave a poignant final interview, speaking of his unconditional love for his children.
A Fatal Argument and a Grisly Discovery
Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 68, were discovered with fatal injuries at their Brentwood property on Sunday afternoon. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call for medical aid at 3:30pm local time but found the couple already deceased. Police later confirmed both victims had suffered lacerations consistent with a knife attack.
Documents reveal that the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, is currently being held in custody on a staggering $4 million (£3 million) bail in connection with the case. His arrest description was listed as "Gang Activity." He was arrested on Sunday at 21:15 local time and formally booked on Monday morning.
'We Love All Our Children, Even the Bad Ones'
The tragedy is cast in an even more heartbreaking light by one of Rob Reiner's final public appearances. In an interview with Piers Morgan, believed to have been recorded months before his death, the acclaimed director opened up about fatherhood.
"Well, I mean, listen, people have their favourites," Reiner said. "[It's] the cliché, 'We love all our children, even the bad ones.'" This statement now resonates with devastating significance.
Reports indicate that tensions within the family had been escalating. According to TMZ, Rob and Nick had a "very loud argument" while attending Conan O'Brien's Christmas party on Saturday night, just before the murders. The Reiners subsequently left the event. A source told the publication that in her final months, Michele had confided in friends that she and Rob were at their "wits' end" over Nick and his alleged substance abuse problems, lamenting, "We've tried everything."
Family in Shock and a Ongoing Investigation
It is believed the couple's daughter, Romy, was the one who discovered their bodies at the sprawling six-bedroom home. She has reportedly told police that a family member "should be a suspect" as they were "dangerous."
The wider Reiner family has been left reeling. A family spokesperson released a statement expressing "profound sorrow" and asking for privacy during this "unbelievably difficult time." Rob's eldest daughter, Tracy Reiner, who was adopted by the star during his first marriage to Penny Marshall, told NBC she was in "shock."
"I came from the greatest family ever. I don't know what to say. I'm in shock," she said, adding that she had seen her father just the day before for a family gathering.
A senior officer confirmed that investigators intend to speak with all relevant family members and associates as part of the routine procedure. Detectives were set to re-enter the property to conduct a detailed forensic examination. During a press conference, police stated they were seeking a search warrant and were "not looking for anyone as a suspect or in any other manner," a position that has since changed with Nick Reiner's arrest.
