Son charged with murder of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and wife

The younger son of Hollywood filmmaker and political activist Rob Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of his parents, Los Angeles authorities said on December 16, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested on the night of December 14, several hours after the bodies of Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, photographer-producer Michele Reiner, 70, were found at their home in the Brentwood neighbourhood of west Los Angeles. Police said Reiner was taken into custody without incident at a park in downtown Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Police Department transferred the case to the District Attorney’s Office on December 16. Prosecutors later filed a five-page criminal complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court charging Nick Reiner with two counts of first-degree murder.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the case as “beyond tragic” and said prosecutors were committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice. He said the charges carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty, though a final decision on whether to seek capital punishment has not yet been made.

Authorities confirmed that a knife was used in the killings but declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation. No motive has been disclosed. Autopsies are still pending to determine the exact cause, manner and timing of death.

Nick Reiner remains in custody without bail and has not yet appeared in court, pending medical clearance. His lawyer said an arraignment could take place as early as December 17. Officials declined to comment on whether Reiner was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of his arrest or whether he made any statements to police.

The case has drawn widespread attention due to Rob Reiner’s prominent Hollywood career, which includes directing films such as This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, Stand by Me and A Few Good Men, as well as his earlier acting role on the television series All in the Family.

By Vugar Khalilov