The manicured calm of Brentwood shattered Sunday afternoon as first responders descended on the upscale neighborhood surrounding the home of Hollywood director and outspoken liberal activist Rob Reiner.
By early evening, the grim reality was confirmed: Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, were found dead inside their Los Angeles residence, according to law enforcement officials who spoke with The Associated Press.
Los Angeles Fire Department crews were dispatched to the 200 block of South Chadbourne Avenue shortly after 3:30 p.m., where they discovered two bodies inside the home. The LAFD later stated that the deceased were a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman.
Authorities quickly sealed off the property as police launched a full-scale investigation.
In a statement posted Sunday evening on X, officials said: “On December 14th, at 3:40 pm, LAPD officers responded to a death investigation in the 200 block of S. Chadbourne Ave. Inside the residence, officers discovered 2 decedents.”
Soon after, the scope of the investigation widened.
The department added: “Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) responded to the residence, which has been identified as the home of Rob Reiner. At this time, no further details are available as this is an ongoing RHD investigation, into an apparent homicide.”
As news spread, prominent Hollywood figures quietly arrived at the scene. Actors Billy Crystal and Larry David were seen separately outside the home Sunday evening, according to ABC 7. Both reportedly stayed only briefly before leaving. One neighbor observed that Crystal “looked like he was about to cry.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a public statement reacting to the deaths, saying 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.”
A spokesperson for the family echoed that sentiment in a message to Variety, stating: “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.”
As of Sunday night, circumstances surrounding the deaths had not been released, and officials emphasized the investigation remains active.
‘We’re going to try to speak to every family member that we can to get to the facts of this investigation,’ LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said.
