Rob Reiner's Death: A Timeline of the Investigation and Nick Reiner's Arrest
- - Rob Reiner's Death: A Timeline of the Investigation and Nick Reiner's Arrest
Jordana ComiterDecember 20, 2025 at 5:21 AM
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Randy Shropshire/Getty; Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner on March 30, 2019 ; Nick Reiner on Sept. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles -
Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead by apparent homicide on Dec. 14
Later that evening, their son Nick Reiner was arrested on suspicion of murder after being found by the USC campus
Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a special allegation that used a knife
Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their home on Dec. 14. The same day, their 32-year-old son was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with their deaths.
News of their deaths came one day after the When Harry Met Sally... director, the photographer and their son Nick Reiner allegedly got into a heated argument during a holiday party at Conan O'Brien’s home. Nick was arrested in connection with their killings and has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a special allegation that he used a knife. One source described the site of their murders to PEOPLE as a "Hollywood horror-scene nightmare."
Following their deaths, a source told PEOPLE that Rob and Michele "could never reach stability with Nick," who has previously spoken about his battles with drug addiction and homelessness.
"They tried everything — giving him space, keeping him close — but his struggles are so deep. It’s just a parent’s worst nightmare," the source said, with another insider adding that they "tried in every way to help their son."
Here's a complete timeline of Rob Reiner and his wife's deaths and their son Nick's arrest.
Dec. 13: Rob Reiner and his son Nick Reiner get into an argument at a holiday party
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Michele Reiner and Rob Reiner at the Los Angeles No Kid Hungry Dinner held at a private residence on April 27, 2023, in Los Angeles.
During the evening of Dec. 13, Rob and Nick got into a heated argument at O'Brien's Christmas party, multiple sources told PEOPLE.
"Nick was freaking everyone out, acting crazy, kept asking people if they were famous," one source told PEOPLE.
Dec. 14: Rob and Michele are allegedly killed in the "early morning hours"
Rob and Michele were allegedly killed in "approximately the early morning hours" of Dec. 14, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced in a press release.
The exact time of death remains unclear.
Dec. 14, 3:30 p.m.: Paramedics are called to the Reiner home
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An aerial view of director Rob Reiner's home on Dec. 15, 2025, in Brentwood, Calif.
The day after the party, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) was called to the Reiners' Brentwood home at around 3:30 p.m. local time to provide medical aid, the LAFD confirmed to PEOPLE.
According to The New York Times, the couple's youngest child, daughter Romy, had arrived at the home after she was contacted by a massage therapist who was unable to access the property.
The outlet reported that after Romy arrived and discovered her father's body, she allegedly "fled" the home without knowing that her mother Michele was also dead inside.
Dec. 14, 3:40 p.m.: Rob and Michele Reiner’s bodies are discovered by police
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News media gather near Rob Reiner's residence on Dec. 14, 2025, in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles.
After arriving on the scene, police discovered the bodies of an adult male and female at about 3:40 p.m., the LAPD confirmed.
Police identified the bodies as Rob and Michele. A source with knowledge of the homicide investigation confirmed to PEOPLE that they were found dead in their bedroom.
"They were found where they were murdered," a source clarified to PEOPLE.
A source close to the family told The New York Times that a paramedic informed Romy of her mother's death.
Dec. 14: Nick Reiner buys a drink at a gas station
In CCTV footage released by ABC7 Eyewitness News, Nick was seen buying a drink at a gas station on the evening of Dec. 14. He was dressed in a green, white and black tracksuit jacket, a black cap and carrying a red backpack.
Dec. 14, 9:15 p.m.: Nick Reiner is arrested at the University of Southern California
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Nick Reiner; Entrance to USC campus
Nearly six hours after Rob and Michele's bodies were found, their son Nick was arrested in connection with their killings. The LAPD confirmed to PEOPLE that he had allegedly left his parents' Brentwood home and traveled a short distance away, before ultimately being located by police near the University of Southern California's campus.
Authorities said they were able to "quickly" locate Nick near the campus, where he was arrested on suspicion of murder at around 9:15 p.m. on Dec. 14.
The Los Angeles Police Department's public information officer confirmed to PEOPLE that the "location of the suspect's arrest was in the Exposition Park area near USC."
Dec. 16: Nick Reiner is not medically cleared to attend first court hearing
Two days after his initial arrest, Nick's first court hearing was scheduled to take place on Dec. 16. However, Nick was not in attendance as he was not medically cleared, his lawyer told reporters at the courthouse.
Nick is being represented by defense attorney Alan Jackson, whose past high-profile clients include Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey. He also famously represented Karen Read, who was accused and acquitted of murdering her boyfriend John O'Keefe.
Jackson told reporters that Nick's absence in court is a "procedural issue."
Dec: 16: The District Attorney's office announces that Nick Reiner will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder
During a press conference, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that Nick will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a special allegation that he used a knife.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty, per Hochman.
Dec. 17: Nick Reiner makes brief court appearance wearing an anti-suicide smock
On Dec. 17, Nick Reiner was medically cleared and made a brief appearance in Los Angeles Superior Court wearing a blue anti-suicide smock and shackles. He was seated behind glass and stared straight ahead as his attorney declined to enter a plea on his behalf.
When the judge asked Nick if he was OK waiving his right to a speedy arraignment, he replied, "Yes, your honor."
Jackson spoke to reporters outside of the courtroom and said that "there are very, very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case."
"Those need to be thoroughly, but very carefully, dealt with and examined and looked at and analyzed," he continued.
Nick's arraignment has been scheduled for Jan. 7, 2026. He is being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.
Dec. 17: Romy and Jake Reiner speak out about their parents' deaths
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Jake Reiner, Romy Reiner, Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner attend the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on Jan. 15, 2024, in Los Angeles.
Romy and Jake shared an official statement in the wake of their parents' deaths and brother's arrest, saying, "Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day."
"The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren't just our parents; they were our best friends," the statement read. "We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life."
They asked for "respect and privacy" and for their parents to "be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave."
Dec. 17: Rob and Michele Reiner's causes of death are announced
Three days after Rob and Michele were found dead, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner released their causes of death. Both died of multiple sharp force injuries, and their manner of death was ruled as homicide.
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