Disturbing new detail revealed about the circumstances in which Rob Reiner and his wife were discovered

A profound sense of mourning has spread through Hollywood and across the country following the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.

The longtime actor and director and his wife were found dead inside their Brentwood home on Sunday. Authorities have confirmed the case is being investigated as an apparent homicide.

During an initial press briefing, LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton released very limited information. Since then, however, more details have slowly come to light, and they paint a deeply tragic picture.

New developments

Los Angeles police confirmed they are treating the deaths of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner as a homicide after the couple was discovered at their residence on December 14.

Rob Reiner, 78, was widely known as an iconic actor and filmmaker who later became a prominent political activist. His wife, Michele Singer Reiner, 68, was respected for her work as a photographer and film producer.

Disturbing new information has since emerged. According to reporting by The Mirror, investigators described the scene as a “horror double murder,” noting that the victims appeared to have suffered stab-related injuries. Reports indicate that the couple was found by their daughter, Romy.

Sources speaking to the Los Angeles Times said that a family member was interviewed as part of the investigation. One individual familiar with the case, who was not authorized to speak publicly, stated there were no signs of forced entry at the home and that the injuries observed were consistent with stabbing.

Interviewing family members

At a news conference late Sunday, Deputy Chief Hamilton reiterated that the investigation remains in its early stages. He explained that detectives were in the process of securing a search warrant before conducting a full and detailed examination of the property.

“At this time, the Los Angeles Police Department is not looking for a suspect or a person of interest,” Hamilton said, adding that no such determination would be made until the investigation progressed further.

He emphasized that while multiple family members would be interviewed, no one had been detained or identified as a suspect.

“We’re going to try to speak with every family member we can to establish the facts surrounding this investigation,” Hamilton said.

He also confirmed that the person who initially reported the incident was present at the home, though police have chosen not to release that individual’s identity.

By Sunday evening, police activity had intensified around the Brentwood residence. Chadbourne Avenue was closed to the public, patrol vehicles lined the street, and a helicopter was seen circling overhead as officers secured the area, according to local reports.

Rob and Michele had been married since 1989 and lived in a prestigious Brentwood neighborhood known for its gated homes and dense hedges. The New York Post reported that the house had been decorated for the holidays at the time the couple was found.

A towering figure in Hollywood

Rob Reiner’s career spanned more than fifty years. He first gained national recognition for his role as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on All in the Family, which aired from 1971 to 1979. He later transitioned into directing, where he achieved major success.

His filmography includes beloved classics such as When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, This Is Spinal Tap, and Stand by Me. In 1992, A Few Good Men earned him an Academy Award nomination.

Outside of film and television, Reiner was also deeply involved in political advocacy. He co-founded the American Foundation for Equal Rights and remained an influential voice in public discourse for decades.

Michele Singer Reiner built her own distinguished career as a producer, contributing to projects including Shock and Awe, Albert Brooks: Defending My Life, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, and God & Country.

Tributes pour in

The couple’s deaths prompted an outpouring of grief from public officials, industry figures, and political leaders.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she was “heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob and his wife Michele,” noting that Reiner’s creative work and advocacy had a lasting impact on American culture and social justice.

Former President Barack Obama also shared a tribute, writing that he and former First Lady Michelle Obama were devastated by the news. Obama praised Reiner’s storytelling legacy and described him as someone who believed deeply in the goodness of people and dedicated his life to putting that belief into action alongside his wife.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom honored the couple as well, describing Reiner as a celebrated director, writer, and activist, and Michele as an accomplished producer and photographer.

“Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the stories we cherish,” they wrote, adding that his empathy and vision inspired generations to recognize goodness in others and imagine a better world.