DA Confirms Rob Reiner and Wife Michele Were Killed with a Knife

Authorities say Nick Reiner is expected to be charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and author Michele Singer Reiner, with prosecutors alleging a knife was used in the killings.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed the alleged weapon Tuesday, Dec. 16, while giving an update on the case at a press conference. Hochman said the 32-year-old will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder, along with special-circumstance allegations tied to multiple murders and the use of a knife. If convicted, he could face life in prison, and prosecutors said the case could potentially involve the death penalty.

“These are some of the most serious charges that a DA’s office can bring against anyone,” Hochman told reporters.

Hochman declined to say whether the alleged murder weapon has been recovered.

Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday, Dec. 14. Nick Reiner was arrested several hours later near the University of Southern California campus in connection with the deaths. Hochman said the charges were expected to be filed Wednesday, and that Nick Reiner was undergoing medical clearance before his first court appearance, where he is expected to enter a plea.

Sources familiar with the situation said Nick Reiner and his father had a heated argument at a Christmas party hosted by Conan O’Brien on Saturday night. One source described his behavior as alarming to other guests, while another characterized the exchange with his father as a “big fight.” Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner reportedly left the party soon after. Investigators have not confirmed whether the couple died Saturday or Sunday.

Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner met while he was directing When Harry Met Sally… and married in 1989. They had three children: Jake, 34, Nick, 32, and Romy, 28. Rob Reiner also has an adopted daughter, Tracey, 61, from his first marriage to the late actress Penny Marshall.

Nick Reiner’s arrest has also renewed attention on his past struggles with addiction and mental health. In prior interviews, he described cycles of treatment beginning in his teens and periods of homelessness in multiple states. His 2015 film with his father, Being Charlie, drew in part from those experiences.

Rob Reiner is known for directing films including This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Stand By Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987) and A Few Good Men (1992). The son of comedian Carl Reiner, he first became widely known to audiences through the sitcom All in the Family.