Rob Reiner murder: Filmmaker seen arguing with son at Conan O’Brien party on eve of his death

A son of celebrated Hollywood director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner has been arrested on suspicion of murder in the deaths of his parents, police said Monday. The arrest Sunday came the day after the father and son were seen arguing at a party at the home of comedian Conan O’Brien, according to a party attendee who recalled Rob Reiner telling his son that his behaviour was inappropriate.

The attendee, who asked not to be identified to maintain relationships, did not speak to any of the Reiners at the party and added that it was unclear what the argument was about.

The son, Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested Sunday night and was being held in a jail in Los Angeles County, police said. Jail records viewable online initially indicated that bail had been set at $US4 million ($6m), but those records have since been modified. He was being held without bail, police said.

Police said the couple were found dead in their home in the upscale Brentwood neighbourhood of Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon, local time. Two people who were briefed on the case but not authorized to speak publicly said the couple had been stabbed to death.

Police officials said the case would be presented Tuesday to the Los Angeles County District Attorney as the office considers charges. No additional information about criminal charges was immediately available.

Rob Reiner, 78, was a popular sitcom actor before directing a slate of beloved films, including “This Is Spinal Tap,” “When Harry Met Sally …” and “The Princess Bride.” He went on to become a force in California and national Democratic politics, championing same-sex marriage and other causes. Michele Reiner, 70, was a photographer and later a producer.

Nick Reiner had spoken over the years about his struggles with drug abuse and bouts of homelessness beginning with his teenage years. He worked with his father on a movie, Being Charlie, that was loosely inspired by his early life.

In part because of that history, police focused almost immediately on Nick Reiner, according to a person who was briefed by the authorities and spoke on condition of anonymity because they did not have the authority to speak publicly on the investigation. Booking records indicated that Reiner was arrested Sunday night by Los Angeles police and formally booked shortly after 5am Monday.

On Monday afternoon, a private security company was guarding the Reiners’ property, whose entry and driveway gates were adorned with “no trespassing” signs. Some people have walked by, though neighbours have declined to talk about the case.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

© 2025 The New York Times Company