In a tragic turn of events, the renowned Hollywood figure Rob Reiner, along with his wife, was discovered deceased in their Brentwood residence on Sunday. The circumstances surrounding their deaths suggest a homicide, as confirmed by KTLA.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to an urgent call for medical assistance at approximately 3:38 p.m. The call led them to the 200 block of South Chadbourne Avenue, where they encountered the couple in distress.

Upon arrival, paramedics found Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 68, with significant stab wounds, underscoring the severity of the situation.

During a press briefing, Alan Hamilton, a representative of the Los Angeles Police Department, refrained from releasing the victims’ identities. He emphasized that the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner would be responsible for officially determining the cause of death and confirming the identities of the deceased.

Despite the LAPD’s discretion, a spokesperson for the Reiner family provided a statement to the Los Angeles Times, shedding light on the devastating loss.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”  

While Hamilton told reporters that investigators do not currently have a suspect or a person of interest and have not detained or interviewed anyone in the case, People, citing “multiple sources,” reported that the Reiners were killed by their son Nick.  

Earlier reports suggested that the Reiners’ daughter was at the scene and had spoken to investigators, though police have not confirmed that detail publicly.  

Hamilton did confirm that LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division, which is responsible for all death investigations, was on the scene and investigating the apparent homicide. He added that the department’s forensic investigators plan a thorough examination of the crime scene once the department is able to secure a search warrant for the home.

An additional press conference is expected to be held on Monday, Hamilton said.  

Tributes to the couple poured throughout the evening, with L.A. Mayor Karen Bass calling the loss of Reiner – an actor, director, producer, writer and an engaged political activist – a devastating loss for the city and the country, adding in part: 

“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.” 

Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel also released a statement, saying in part:  

“Jen and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love. His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others – and encouraging us to dream bigger. That empathy extended well beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights — from taking on Big Tobacco to fighting for marriage equality to serving as a powerful voice in early education. He made California a better place through his good works.” 

In a statement provided to KTLA, the Lear family called the deaths of Rob and Michele devastating and that Norman Lear, who in 1971 cast Reiner as Michael “Meathead” Stivic, Archie Bunker’s liberal son-in-law in “All in the Family,” often referred to him as a son. 

“Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place, and they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends,” the family’s statement read in part. “Lyn Lear had remained very close with them and said, ‘The world is unmistakably darker tonight, and we are left bereft.’” 

Former President Barack Obama released a statement on X, saying that he and Michelle were heartbroken by the tragic passing Rob and Michele, adding in part:

“Beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”

Though no one is in custody in connection with the homicide, police said there was no threat to the community and that they had increased patrols in the area.