LAPD Questions Person of Interest in Case Involving Rob Reiner and His Wife's Deaths

The questioning comes as authorities continue to investigate the tragic deaths that occurred this past weekend, including the fact that no arrests have been made thus far.

The quiet calm of an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood was recently shattered by a discovery so disturbing it's left a city — and a nation — in stunned silence.

Iconic filmmaker Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Reiner, 68, were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday.

Fingers Point Toward the Reiners' Son

Now at the center of an increasingly grim homicide investigation, the couple's son, Nick Reiner, is being questioned by the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division following the deaths of his parents on December 14, 2025.

According to multiple sources close to the family, Nick is alleged to have killed his parents inside their Brentwood home. However, such accusations have not been officially confirmed by the police.

The Los Angeles Fire Department received a medical aid call at approximately 3:30 p.m. that day. When emergency personnel arrived at the residence, they discovered a man and a woman deceased.

Though authorities had not publicly released their names, sources confirmed that the victims were Rob and Michele, found by their daughter, Romy Reiner.

A Love Story Born on the Silver Screen Ends in Tragedy

Rob and Michele's story began in Hollywood, where they met during the production of "When Harry Met Sally..." — the 1989 romantic comedy directed by Rob that would go on to define the genre.

The film was one of many standout titles in his celebrated directing career, which also includes "The Princess Bride" (1987), "Misery" (1990), and "A Few Good Men" (1992). The couple married in 1989, and later welcomed three children, including Nick.

A Son's Troubled Past Casts a Shadow

Nick has previously spoken candidly about his long and difficult battle with addiction, which began in his teens. In a 2016 interview with People, he shared a moment of hope, "Now, I've been home for a really long time, and I've sort of gotten acclimated back to being in L.A. and being around my family."

He described periods of homelessness in several states after refusing to return to rehab:

"I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun."

Nick's struggle with addiction even inspired the semi-autobiographical film "Being Charlie." His time living in and out of shelters helped shape the film's narrative.

Now, with both parents dead and his name appearing in early media coverage, public attention has turned toward the Reiner family, even as police continue their investigation without naming a suspect.

Family Speaks Out as Hollywood Mourns

In a brief but emotional statement shared with Variety, the Reiner family expressed their grief concerning the recent tragedy, "We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time."

As investigators continue working to untangle the full scope of what occurred inside the Reiner home that afternoon, details surrounding the suspected homicide continue to emerge. At the same time, tributes from public figures have begun to pour in, painting a portrait of two lives that left an indelible mark on both Hollywood and those who knew them personally.

According to TMZ, law enforcement said that the victims suffered lacerations consistent with a knife attack, a chilling detail that has stunned Hollywood.

Shock Investigation Into Reiner Deaths Begins

As of Sunday evening, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that no suspects have been identified in the deaths of Rob and Michele. The investigation remains in its earliest stages, with detectives moving cautiously but deliberately.

At a press conference, LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton told reporters that investigators are beginning to coordinate with family members to "get to the facts of this investigation."

Additionally, a law enforcement official reportedly said that one family member was interviewed Sunday evening, but re-emphasized that no one has been detained

Alan also said detectives are waiting on the legal process to obtain a search warrant. "Once that is complied with, we will be conducting a full crime scene investigation on the interior and exterior of the residence and the surrounding neighborhood," he shared.

Tributes From Film and Political Figures

News of Rob and Michele's deaths prompted a widespread public response on X, spanning both the entertainment and political worlds.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama expressed deep sadness over the loss, reflecting on Rob's storytelling legacy and the couple's shared commitment to purpose-driven lives. He emphasized the values they championed and the inspiration they offered to others.

Actor James Woods, who worked with Rob on "Ghosts of Mississippi," recalled their long-standing friendship and mutual respect, noting that political differences never interfered with their personal bond.

Additionally, Elijah Wood, best known for "The Lord of the Rings," responded with shock and offered condolences to the Reiner family.

Actress and comedian Roseanne Barr also shared her reaction on the same platform, describing the news as tragic and expressing hopes for accountability and comfort for the family.

The tragic deaths of Rob and Michele follow another high-profile case earlier this year (2025), when actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were also found dead under separate circumstances.

As previously reported, Gene and Betsy were found dead in their Santa Fe Summit home on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 26. At the time, authorities had not suspected foul play.

Authorities Respond After Caretaker Reports Finding Couple Unresponsive

A caretaker was the first to discover the bodies of Gene and Betsy, according to a 911 call made just before 2 p.m. local time on Wednesday. An affidavit later stated that maintenance workers also found the couple deceased.

The caller, visibly distressed, informed emergency responders that they were unable to enter the home. However, they could see two unresponsive individuals through the window. The caretaker informed the dispatcher, "No, dude, they're not moving. Just send somebody out here really quick."

Sheriff deputies arrived at Gene and Betsy's home on Old Sunset Trail in response to this call, where they reportedly found the couple and their dog deceased.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed just after midnight on Thursday that the actor, his wife, and their pet had passed away. Mendoza stated that there were no immediate signs of foul play. However, he did not disclose the cause of death or estimate when the couple had passed.

The sheriff notified the public that he and his team were in the middle of preliminary investigations while awaiting approval of a search warrant. He also sought to reassure the community, stating there was no imminent threat to public safety.

Inside Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's Quiet Life Together

Gene met Betsy in the mid-1980s while she was working part-time at a gym in California. The 95-year-old author and his 63-year-old wife reportedly moved in together and later settled in Santa Fe.

They purchased a large home in a gated community with scenic views of the Rocky Mountains. Their home is located off Hyde Park Road, just north of Ten Thousand Waves. Gene was a familiar presence in town and served on the board of the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum during the 1990s.

In his later years, Gene focused on writing novels after spending several years working on the screen. While he had three children from a previous marriage, he and Betsy Arakawa did not have children together.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the entire Reiner family, their loved ones, friends, community, fans, and all who knew and loved them as they mourn such significant losses. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, dear Rob and Michele.