The Hollywood director's Son Taken into Custody After Deadly Incident of Filmmaker and Spouse
A son of renowned Hollywood filmmaker the director of 'When Harry Met Sally' and his wife Michele Reiner has been arrested and booked on charges related to homicide following the couple were found dead in their LA home.
The Los Angeles Police Department stated on Monday that Nick Reiner, in his early thirties, had been detained and was in custody without the possibility of bail.
The victims' young adult child, Romy, discovered her parents in their home with multiple stab wounds on Sunday, according to reports from news outlets.
Emergency Response and Police Statement
First responders were called to provide medical aid at the Reiners' Brentwood, California property at approximately 15:38 Pacific Time on Sunday.
Fire and rescue personnel said two people - later identified as Rob Reiner, 78, and his spouse Michele, 68 - were declared deceased on site.
Police stated Nick Reiner was taken into custody later that evening, at around 21:15 that night. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive and indicated the investigation remains ongoing.
Background of the Son and Household
The son has been open about his struggles with addiction and homelessness. His experiences served as inspiration for the semi-autobiographical film the movie 'Being Charlie', which he co-wrote with his dad in 2015.
The family's home is in Brentwood, a wealthy area popular with stars known for estates, boutique shops and dining spots. On the following day, a private guard was posted outside the property as media assembled outside the front gate.
The Director's Legacy
Rob Reiner, the child of legendary comedian his father Carl, started in entertainment in the 1960s and became well-known playing Meathead in the TV sitcom All in The Family.
He cemented his success with the iconic spoof documentary This Is Spinal Tap in the 1980s, which he directed and appeared in.
Reiner was wed to Laverne & Shirley actress his first wife from the early 70s to 1981 and is the legal parent to Marshall's daughter, actress Tracy Reiner.
He wed Michele in 1989, who he said he met during the production of the romantic comedy-drama When Harry Met Sally. The pair had a family of five together.
Michele Reiner's Career and Public Context
Michele Reiner was an actress, artist and producer, and the creator of her own company, a photo business and film production firm.
He was also recognized for his outspoken political activism and backing of liberal politicians.
In a social media statement referring to their deaths "tragic", an ex-president criticised the director, implying that they "reportedly" died "because of the hostility he caused others through his significant, unyielding, and obsession" with "Trump Derangement Syndrome".
"He was known to have greatly agitated individuals by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump," the post wrote.
It is not clear what reports the former president was citing, and while the investigation is being treated as a homicide, authorities have yet to comment on any possible motive.
A number of political figures condemned Trump over the post, including one-time supporter a congresswoman, who stated the deaths were a "family tragedy, not about partisan issues or rivals".
"Many families face challenges with a family member with substance issues and psychological struggles. It's incredibly difficult and should be met with empathy especially when it results in murder," she added.
The Entertainment Industry Response and Condolences
The political comments were also met with anger by some of the family's close associates.
In a post on social media, Maria Shriver, the former first lady of the state and close friend of the Reiners, described the two were "devoted parents".
"Their love for all their children and they persistently tried trying to care for them," she said.
Music icon Elton John, who had a cameo in this year's Spinal Tap sequel, said: "It's hard to believe at today's news of the Reiners.
"They were two of the finest individuals I'd ever met and they deserved better."
Fellow actor the actor John Cusack, who starred in Reiner's 1980s film 'The Sure Thing', referred to him as "a great man", while Elijah Wood, who starred in 1994's North, said he was "shocked" by the couple's deaths.
