The adult child of renowned film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner has been taken into custody on charges related to murder after the couple were discovered dead in their LA residence.
LA law enforcement announced on Monday that the 32-year-old son, 32, had been arrested and was being held with no bail.
The victims' 28-year-old daughter, Romy, discovered her mother and father in their home with several knife-inflicted injuries on Sunday, as per reports from media sources.
First Services and Official Statement
Emergency services were dispatched to provide medical aid at the Reiners' West Los Angeles property at approximately 15:38 local time on Sunday.
Fire and rescue personnel confirmed a man and a woman - subsequently named as Rob Reiner, 78, and his spouse Michele, aged 68 - were declared deceased on site.
Police stated the suspect was arrested several hours later, at about 21:15 local time. Investigators have not publicly outlined a motive and indicated the investigation remains ongoing.
History of the Accused and Household
Nick Reiner has been open about his battles with substance abuse and homelessness. His experiences formed the basis for the semi-autobiographical film the movie 'Being Charlie', which he made with his father in 2015.
Their residence is in an upscale LA neighborhood, a affluent celebrity enclave full of large mansions, designer stores and restaurants. On the following day, a private guard was posted outside the property as news crews assembled near the front gate.
Rob Reiner's Legacy
The filmmaker, the child of legendary comedian his father Carl, started in entertainment in the mid-20th century and rose to fame playing Meathead in the classic television series All in The Family.
He cemented his success with the iconic spoof documentary 'This Is Spinal Tap' in 1984, which he helmed and appeared in.
The director was wed to Laverne & Shirley actress Penny Marshall from 1971 to the early 80s and is the legal parent to Marshall's daughter, actress Tracy Reiner.
He married Michele Reiner in 1989, who he said he met during the production of the romantic comedy-drama 'When Harry Met Sally'. The couple had a family of five together.
Michele Reiner's Career and Public Reaction
Michele Reiner was an actress, photographer and film producer, and the creator of Reiner Light, a photography agency and film production firm.
Rob Reiner was also recognized for his vocal political activism and support for liberal politicians.
In a post referring to their deaths "tragic", former President Donald Trump commented on the director, saying that they "allegedly" died "because of the anger he inspired others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction" with "a term for his critics".
"He was known to have greatly agitated individuals by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump," the message stated.
The specifics are unclear what reports the former president was referring to, and while the investigation is being treated as a murder, police have not spoken on any potential reason.
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".
"Countless households deal with a loved one with substance issues and mental health issues. It's incredibly difficult and should be met with empathy especially when it ends in murder," she said.
Hollywood Response and Condolences
Trump's post were also received criticism by some of the Reiners' friends.
In a message on a platform, Maria Shriver, the ex-wife of the state and longtime friend of the Reiners, said the two were "devoted parents".
"Their love for all their children and they persistently tried looking after them," she said.
Music icon Elton John, who had a cameo in this recent 'Spinal Tap' follow-up, 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."
Another performer John Cusack, who starred in the director's 1980s film 'The Sure Thing', referred to him as "a great man", while Elijah Wood, who appeared in the 1994 movie 'North', expressed he was "horrified" by the couple's deaths.
