Crime
Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner Had Their Throats Slit by Son Nick Reiner
Los Angeles — Film director and actor Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead Sunday afternoon inside their Brentwood residence on Chadbourne Avenue, prompting a major homicide investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division.
According to law enforcement sources, both victims suffered severe lacerations consistent with knife wounds.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the home at approximately 3:30 p.m., after which LAPD officers requested additional backup.
A significant police presence remained at the property throughout the evening as investigators processed the scene.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive or sequence of events. However, sources familiar with the investigation said a family member discovered the victims and contacted police, reporting concerns that another family member may have been involved and should be considered a person of interest.
Investigators confirmed that Rob and Michele Reiner’s son, Nick Reiner, is being questioned, but emphasized that no charges have been filed and the investigation remains ongoing. Police have not announced any arrests.
Officials cautioned that details remain preliminary and subject to change as detectives continue to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and await forensic results.
Rob Reiner, the son of legendary comedian Carl Reiner (who died in 2020), began his career as a comedy writer in the 1960s, including work on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. He rose to prominence in the 1970s portraying Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family, earning two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Reiner later became one of Hollywood’s most influential directors, beginning with the cult classic This Is Spinal Tap. His filmography includes Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, Misery, A Few Good Men, The American President, and The Bucket List. He remained active in the industry in recent years, with a completed project involving the fictional band Spinal Tap reportedly slated for release next year.
Younger audiences may recognize Reiner from his acting roles on television, including New Girl and The Bear.
Rob and Michele Reiner married in 1989 and shared more than 35 years together. They had three children — Jake, Nick, and Romy. Reiner also has a daughter, Tracy, from his previous marriage to director Penny Marshall.
LAPD officials have released few details publicly, citing the active nature of the case.
The department has urged patience as detectives work to establish a clear timeline and determine responsibility. Further updates are expected once additional facts are confirmed.
This is a developing story.
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Authorities and family members have identified the victims killed in Monday’s tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena as Rhonda Dorgan and her son, Aidan Dorgan.
The shooting occurred during a high school “Senior Night” hockey game and left two people dead and three others critically injured.
Police said the suspect, Robert K. Dorgan, 56, died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following the attack, which authorities have described as stemming from a family dispute.
In a statement shared by relatives, the Dorgan family described the profound loss they are now facing.
“Our family has been forever changed by the tragic events at Lynch Arena, where we lost our beloved brother Aidan and their mother Rhonda, who was also my stepmother,” the statement read.
In addition to the deaths of Rhonda and Aidan, two grandparents remain hospitalized in critical condition and are fighting for their lives, according to family members.
Ava Dorgan, a nursing student, and Colin Dorgan, a 17-year-old high school senior, are now facing the future without their mother and older brother.
Family members described the emotional toll as overwhelming, particularly given their young ages.
“The weight of this loss is something no one should ever have to bear,” the family said. “Despite the pain, Ava and Colin are determined to continue their education and build lives that honor the memory of those we have lost.”
Following the shooting, Ava Dorgan spoke briefly with reporters outside Pawtucket police headquarters, confirming that the gunman was her father.
“My father was the shooter. He shot my family, and he’s dead now,” she said. She described him as “mentally ill” and “very sick,” attributing the violence to long-standing mental health struggles.
Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that the suspect also went by the name Roberta Esposito and stated that investigators are continuing to examine his background and the events leading up to the shooting.
The shooting erupted at approximately 2:30 p.m., roughly 30 minutes after the Senior Night game began.
The matchup featured a cooperative team comprised of Coventry and Johnston players competing against a co-op team including students from St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, North Providence, and North Smithfield.
Livestream footage captured multiple gunshots ringing out from the stands, sending players and spectators scrambling for safety.
Witnesses described a scene of panic as families fled the arena and sought shelter nearby.
Chief Goncalves said officers arrived within approximately 90 seconds of receiving the initial report of gunfire.
A bystander intervened during the incident and attempted to subdue the shooter, actions the chief credited with preventing further loss of life.
None of the players on the ice were physically injured, though many witnessed the violence firsthand.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities in the ongoing investigation. Police have interviewed more than 100 witnesses and are asking anyone with additional video footage to come forward.
Court records indicate that Robert Dorgan had a history of family conflicts, some involving disputes related to gender identity.
In 2020, he reported to the North Providence Police Department that he had undergone gender reassignment surgery and alleged conflicts with extended family members following that decision.
Dorgan’s divorce from Rhonda Dorgan was finalized in June 2021.
Initial divorce filings referenced gender reassignment surgery and personality traits before being amended to cite irreconcilable differences.
Authorities have not publicly identified a definitive motive beyond describing the shooting as the result of a family dispute.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien called the incident devastating for the community.
“What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night, was instead marked by violence and fear,” Grebien said. “Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning.”
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee also expressed condolences and encouraged anyone struggling in the aftermath to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. State officials said additional mental health resources will be made available to students and families affected by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the Dorgan family says they are focusing on supporting one another and honoring the memory of Rhonda and Aidan.
“Our hearts are broken,” the family said, “but we will carry their love with us every day.”