Hollywood is in shock following the tragic and violent deaths of celebrated film director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. The couple were found stabbed to death inside their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on Sunday, 15 December 2024.
Son Arrested Amidst Murder Investigation
The couple's son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested in connection with the deaths and is currently being held on a substantial bail set at $4 million. Los Angeles police confirmed that a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were discovered deceased at the property, matching the ages of the Reiners. Rob Reiner had celebrated his 78th birthday in March.
Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton, the LAPD's chief of detectives, addressed the media on Sunday night. He stated that while a family member was being questioned, the police had not formally identified a suspect at that stage. "We are going to try to speak to every family member that we can to get to the facts of this investigation," Mr Hamilton told reporters at a briefing.
Donald Trump's Extraordinary Social Media Attack
In a development that has added a deeply political dimension to the tragedy, former US President Donald Trump launched a verbal attack on the deceased director via his Truth Social platform. Trump's post, framed as a message of condolence, blamed Reiner's passing on what he termed "TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME (TDS)."
The lengthy statement described Reiner as a "tortured and struggling, but once very talented" director whose "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" regarding Trump had reportedly driven people "CRAZY." Trump concluded the post by writing, "May Rob and Michele rest in peace!"
In a poignant historical footnote, Michele Reiner, a former photographer, was the person who took the portrait of Donald Trump that was used on the cover of his bestselling book, Trump: The Art of The Deal.
A Legacy of Iconic American Cinema
Rob Reiner leaves behind an immense cultural legacy. He was the creative force behind some of the most beloved films of the 1980s and 1990s, directing classics such as:
- This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
- Stand By Me (1986)
- The Princess Bride (1987)
- When Harry Met Sally (1989)
- A Few Good Men (1992)
He also had a successful acting career, with roles in films like Wolf of Wall Street and Sleepless in Seattle. His most recent work included a guest role in the acclaimed television series The Bear.
Reiner met his wife, Michele, in 1989 while he was directing When Harry Met Sally. The couple married and had three children together, building a family life alongside their Hollywood careers.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry and beyond. Former President Barack Obama led the condolences, posting on X: "Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob's achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen."
The investigation into this shocking double homicide continues, with the Los Angeles Police Department pursuing all leads. The world now mourns the loss of a filmmaking legend and his wife under the most horrific and unresolved circumstances.
