The adult child of renowned Hollywood filmmaker the director of 'When Harry Met Sally' and his wife Michele Singer Reiner has been arrested and booked on charges related to murder after the couple were discovered dead in their Los Angeles residence.
LA law enforcement stated on the start of the week that the 32-year-old son, in his early thirties, had been arrested and was being held without the possibility of bail.
The deceased couple's 28-year-old daughter, Romy, found her parents in their home with several stab wounds on the weekend, as per reports from media sources.
First Services and Police Details
First responders were called to provide medical aid at the Reiners' West Los Angeles property at approximately 15:38 Pacific Time on Sunday.
Fire and rescue personnel said a man and a woman - subsequently named as Rob Reiner, 78, and his spouse Michele, 68 - were declared deceased on site.
Investigators said Nick Reiner was taken into custody later that evening, at about 21:15 local time. Investigators have not yet disclosed a possible reason and indicated the probe remains ongoing.
History of the Son and Family
Nick Reiner has spoken publicly about his struggles with addiction and being without a home. His personal journey formed the basis for the semi-autobiographical film the movie 'Being Charlie', which he co-wrote with his dad in the mid-2010s.
The family's home is in Brentwood, a wealthy area popular with stars full of estates, boutique shops and restaurants. On the following day, a security guard stood outside the home as news crews assembled outside the front gate.
Rob Reiner's Illustrious Career
Rob Reiner, the child of comedy great Carl Reiner, began his career in the mid-20th century and became well-known playing the character Mike 'Meathead' Stivic in the TV sitcom 'All in the Family'.
He cemented his success with the iconic spoof documentary This Is Spinal Tap in 1984, which he directed and starred in.
Reiner was married to Laverne & Shirley actress his first wife from 1971 to 1981 and is the legal parent to Marshall's daughter, actress Tracy Reiner.
He married Michele Reiner in the late 80s, who he reportedly stated he met during the making of the romantic comedy-drama 'When Harry Met Sally'. The couple had three children together.
The Wife's Work and Political Reaction
Mrs. Reiner was an actress, artist and producer, and the creator of her own company, a photo business and production company.
He was also recognized for his outspoken political activism and support for liberal politicians.
In a social media statement referring to their deaths "tragic", an ex-president commented on the director, saying that they "reportedly" died "because of the anger he inspired others through his significant, relentless, and obsession" with "Trump Derangement Syndrome".
"He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his intense focus of the former president," the post wrote.
The specifics are unclear what information the former president was citing, and while the case is being considered a murder, police have not spoken on any possible motive.
Several Republicans condemned Trump over the post, including former ally a congresswoman, who stated the deaths were a "family tragedy, not about politics or rivals".
"Countless households face challenges with a loved one with substance issues and mental health issues. It's incredibly difficult and should be met with empathy especially when it results in a violent death," she added.
The Entertainment Industry Reaction and Condolences
The political comments were also received criticism by some of the Reiners' friends.
In a message on social media, Maria Shriver, the ex-wife of California and close friend of the Reiners, described the two were "caring mothers and fathers".
"Their love for all their children and they persistently tried looking after them," she said.
Sir Elton John, who had a cameo in this year's Spinal Tap follow-up, commented: "It's hard to believe at today's news of the Reiners.
"They were two of the most beautiful people I'd ever met and they deserved better."
Another performer the actor John Cusack, who starred in the director's 1980s film 'The Sure Thing', referred to him as "a great man", while Elijah Wood, who starred in 1994's North, expressed he was "horrified" by the couple's deaths.