The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that a man and a woman were found deceased inside the Brentwood mansion owned by director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. The discovery was made Sunday afternoon around 3:30 p.m. The occupants were approximately 78 and 68 years old, respectively.
The victims had apparent stab wounds, according to a source close to Reiner who confirmed to NBC News that the pair were the ones found dead. The source did not provide further details beyond the presence of the wounds.
The Brentwood home is located on Chadbourne Avenue, a street where the Reiners have lived for many years.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics were called to the home at about 3:30 p.m. They arrived shortly after the call and found the deceased occupants.
After paramedics, LAPD officers were dispatched to the scene. Officers were sent in response to an “ambulance death investigation,” a term used by LAPD when firefighters call for police presence after a death.
NBC4 Investigates, a local news segment, covered the incident and provided updates as the investigation unfolded.
LAPD Deputy Police Chief Alan Hamilton said detectives were not seeking a suspect or person of interest until the investigation was complete. Hamilton also noted that the identities of the victims had not been released and that the LA County Coroner would release that information later.
Hamilton added that investigators would obtain a search warrant very soon. He explained that a search warrant was necessary because of standing issues at the residence.
The death investigation would be handled by the Robbery Homicide Division of the Los Angeles Police Department, according to Hamilton.
Reiner and his wife Michele had been married since 1989 and had three children together: Jake, Nick, and Romy. Neighbors confirmed that the couple lived in the Brentwood home and that property records show they own the residence.
Tracy Reiner, Rob Reiner’s adopted daughter from his marriage to ex-wife Penny Marshall, said she was speechless upon hearing the news. She added, “I came from the greatest family ever,” and “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
The Reiners’ family and friends expressed their shock and grief, noting the couple’s long history of activism and community involvement.
Mayor Karen Bass released a statement that read, “Personally, I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob and his wife Michele. I knew Rob and have tremendous respect for him. Among his numerous contributions, Rob helped create First 5 California, a landmark initiative funded by a tobacco tax to support early childhood development programs. He and Michele fought for early childhood development and marriage equality, working to overturn Proposition 8. They were true champions for LGBTQ+ rights,” she wrote.
Governor Newsom posted a statement on Sunday: “Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner,” he said. He continued, “Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as ‘The Princess Bride’ to ‘A Few Good Men.’ His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others – and encouraging us to dream bigger.”
Former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti shared a social media post on Monday morning that said, “I was blessed to know Rob and Michelle Reiner and to have the gift of working alongside them on marriage equality, child welfare, and the promotion of human rights.” He added, “Our city and world has lost two angels and we must find a way forward. Their memories are more than blessings, but a reminder to make our time about building a better world. We will miss you.” Nancy Pelosi also released a statement: “The news of a deadly assault on Rob and Michelle Reiner in their home is devastating. It’s hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor they pursued. Rob was creative, funny, and beloved. And in all of their endeavors, Michelle was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and loving wife.”
Reiner is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker and actor best known for films such as “This Is Spinal Tap,” “A Few Good Men,” and “When Harry Met Sally.” His career spanned decades and included many celebrated projects.
A Getty Images photo shows Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner attending the Human Rights Campaign 2019 Los Angeles Dinner at JW Marriott Los Angeles on March 30, 2019. The image is credited to Amy Sussman/Getty Images.
NBCLA editor Missael Soto contributed to the report. The investigation will continue as the LAPD obtains the required search warrant and the coroner releases victim identities. The community and officials will await further updates as the case unfolds.
