Nick Reiner charged with two counts of first-degree murder following deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner

Nick Reiner, the son of filmmaker Rob Reiner and producer Michele Singer Reiner, is facing formal murder charges in the deaths of his parents.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced today that Nick will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder, along with "a dangerous and deadly weapon — that being a knife" after Rob and Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Dec. 14.

The 32-year-old screenwriter was earlier taken into custody as he had been deemed "responsible" for his parents' deaths. The LAPD also issued an official statement following his arrest.

"...it was determined that the Reiners were the victims of homicide. The investigation further revealed that Nick Reiner was responsible for their deaths. Nick Reiner was located and arrested at approximately 9:15 p.m. He was book for murder and remains in custody with no bail..."

---

Nick Reiner struggled with drug addiction since childhood

Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner married in 1989 and shared three children: Jake, Romy, and Nick. The director also adopted his first wife Penny Marshall's daughter, Tracy.

His youngest son, Nick Reiner, has struggled with drug addiction since childhood and has been brought to rehab 17 times.

Born in 1993, Nick Reiner began abusing drugs as early as 15. He is also revealed to have had violent tendencies, given his 2016 interview, where he confessed to wrecking his parents' guesthouse after he had been awake due to cocaine.

"I was so lost — I didn’t know anything about myself or the world. And that’s all I knew as a coping mechanism."

That year, Nick Reiner co-wrote the movie Being Charlie, helmed by his father, which is loosely based on their rocky relationship. In an interview with AOL at the time, Rob Reiner said that the project made him understand Nick better.

"The whole process for me, I can just speak for myself, it did make me understand him a lot more and I think it made me a better father."

---

Tributes pour in for Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner

Rob Reiner is known for helming a plethora of the most iconic films, such as Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, Flipped, The Wolf of Wall Street, A Few Good Men, Sleepless in Seattle, The Sure Thing, The Princess Bride, and many more.

He also directed acclaimed TV shows like All in the Family (1971-1979) and New Girl (2011-2018).

Following his tragic death, Hollywood and several celebrities honored him across social media.

Demi Moore, who starred as Lieutenant Commander Joanne Galloway in A Few Good Men, wrote on her page:

"Our kids grew up together, we worked together, and as our lives intertwined personally and professionally I will always cherish the moments and memories of what we shared. They were amazing people and wonderful parents who gave of themselves to make the world a better place."

Zooey Deschanel, who starred in Reiner's New Girl series, issued a heartfelt tribute to the late director and his wife.

"Rob and his lovely wife Michele were always so kind and it brought me so much joy any time I was lucky enough to see them. I’m absolutely devastated. Sending so much love to their family and friends."

Paul McCartney, who worked with Reiner in This is Spinal Tap, called the filmmaker an "upbeat, loveable man."

"What a tragedy the death of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, is. It is so shocking in many ways but for me especially so, because over the last year I had been working with him. He directed me in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues."

The Beatles icon continued:

"I will always have fond memories of Rob and the idea that he and his wife will no longer be in the world with us is heartbreaking. Thanks for all the humour, Rob. Rest in Peace. Love Paul."