The son of Hollywood actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner has been jailed on suspicion of murdering his parents after they were found dead at their home in Los Angeles, police said.
Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested on Sunday night and booked into county jail on suspicion of murder, where he is being held without bail, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Detectives are expected to present the case to the county district attorney on Tuesday to determine whether formal charges will be filed.
Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Reiner, 70, were discovered dead at their residence in the upscale Brentwood neighbourhood on Sunday afternoon. Police said their investigation determined the couple were victims of homicide and that their son was responsible for their deaths.
Local media reported that the couple’s daughter was the first to find them.
Nick Reiner had spoken publicly in the past about long struggles with substance abuse and periods of homelessness, including multiple stays in rehabilitation facilities. In a 2016 interview, he said he first entered rehab at the age of 15. Those experiences later inspired the semi-autobiographical film Being Charlie, which he co-wrote with his father.
Local reports also said Nick Reiner was seen arguing with his parents on Saturday night at a holiday gathering hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien.
Tributes poured in for Rob Reiner, a towering figure in Hollywood known both for his creative work and political activism. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised him for improving lives through his films and advocacy for social and economic justice.
Reiner first rose to fame as an actor, playing Mike “Meathead” Stivic on the 1970s sitcom All in the Family, a role that earned him two Emmy Awards. He later became a prolific director, helming classics such as This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, Misery and A Few Good Men.
Michele Reiner was a photographer who once captured the image of Donald Trump used on the cover of Trump: The Art of the Deal.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors review evidence ahead of a possible arraignment.
