The entertainment world is reeling after the brutal murders of acclaimed Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer. Their son, 32-year-old Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with their deaths.
The Discovery and Arrest
The couple were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles mansion on Sunday, December 16, 2025. Their daughter, Romy, discovered their bodies with apparent stab wounds around 2pm after their masseuse reported they had failed to answer the door. She alerted police and reportedly called a close family friend, actor Billy Crystal, who rushed to the scene.
Later that evening, Nick Reiner was arrested after checking into The Pierside Santa Monica hotel. Staff allegedly found a shower 'full of blood' and a trail leading from his bed. Photographs show him being forced to the ground and handcuffed by LAPD officers. He was formally charged on Monday, December 17, with the special allegation that a knife was used.
A Troubled History and Alleged Motive
The family had been publicly open about Nick's long-standing struggles with addiction, which began when he was 15. In 2016, Rob and Nick collaborated on the semi-autobiographical film Being Charlie, which Nick co-wrote based on his experiences in and out of rehab.
While no official motive has been released, reports indicate that just hours before the murders, Nick had an 'explosive row' with his parents at a Christmas party hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien. A source told NBC News the argument left Rob and Michele 'upset and embarrassed' before they left the gathering.
Industry Tributes and Political Firestorm
The news has prompted an outpouring of grief from across Hollywood and beyond. A collective letter signed by friends including Billy Crystal and Martin Short praised Reiner as 'a master storyteller' and a passionate citizen. Former US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama revealed they had been due to meet the couple on the very evening they died.
In a starkly contrasting reaction, former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, crudely claiming Reiner died from 'Trump Derangement Syndrome'. His comments were widely condemned, with Michelle Obama defending the Reiners as 'decent, courageous people'.
The legal proceedings are now underway. Nick Reiner will be brought to court to enter a plea once he is medically cleared by prison officials. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that while the death penalty is a possibility, a decision will consider the family's wishes. Reiner's latest film project has reportedly been paused indefinitely.
