Police give update after Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their home | full video

Key Concepts

• Death Investigation: An initial phase of inquiry into a fatality where the cause and circumstances are not immediately clear.
• Homicide Investigation: A specific type of death investigation focused on determining if a death was caused by the criminal act of another.
• Robbery Homicide Division (RHD): The LAPD division now responsible for investigating all homicides within the city of Los Angeles.
• Search Warrant: A legal document authorizing law enforcement to search a specific location for evidence.
• Los Angeles County Coroner's Office: The official body responsible for determining the cause of death and identifying deceased individuals.
• Forensic Science Division: LAPD unit responsible for analyzing physical evidence at a crime scene.
• Technical Investigation Division: LAPD unit involved in specialized investigative techniques.
• Canvassing: The process of systematically interviewing residents in an area to gather information.

Incident Overview and Initial Response

On the afternoon of the incident, at approximately 3:40 PM, Los Angeles Police officers and the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a call at the 200 block of Chadbourne Avenue in Brentwood. Upon arrival, they discovered two deceased individuals inside the residence. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) immediately initiated a death investigation at the scene.

Investigation Process and Legal Requirements

Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton, Chief of Detectives for the LAPD, provided a preliminary statement. He emphasized that the investigation is in its early stages and that specific details, including the identities of the deceased, would be released by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. The investigation is being handled by the homicide special section of the Robbery Homicide Division (RHD).

A significant point of discussion was the LAPD's need to obtain a search warrant before conducting a full crime scene investigation inside the residence. Deputy Chief Hamilton explained that this is a legal requirement in California, particularly when there are issues regarding "standing" at the residence. This process ensures that any evidence gathered will be admissible in court. He stated, "We have to get a search warrant because there are issues regarding standing at this residence. So, as long as those legal requirements are met, we can continue the investigation." The department confirmed they were in the process of obtaining the warrant and would proceed with a thorough investigation of both the interior and exterior of the residence, as well as the surrounding neighborhood, once it was secured.

Information Control and Public Communication

Deputy Chief Hamilton stressed that the LAPD would not be releasing information regarding the identities of the deceased, as this falls under the purview of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. He also stated that at this early stage, the LAPD was not seeking any specific suspects or persons of interest. He assured the public that the department would be transparent and provide additional information as it became publicly available, with the next update expected after the following morning.

Addressing Media Inquiries and Clarifications

During the press briefing, several questions were raised by reporters:

• Family Member Interviews: When asked if a family member was being interviewed and if they were cooperative, Deputy Chief Hamilton stated that "many family members" would be interviewed and declined to confirm specific individuals at that time, emphasizing the goal to "speak to every family member that we can to get to the facts of this investigation."
• Suspect Identification: When pressed on why the LAPD was not actively looking for a suspect, Deputy Chief Hamilton clarified that they had not yet identified one. He explained that the department would not identify a suspect until one was legally identified and the evidence supported that conclusion. He stated, "We will not identify a suspect until that person is identified as a suspect and we're legally seeking them if there is a crime to be reported."
• Detention and Questioning: It was confirmed that no one had been detained for questioning, and no one was currently being interviewed as a potential suspect.
• Nature of Injuries and Weapons: The department declined to comment on the specific injuries sustained by the deceased or whether any weapons had been found at the scene, stating that such information would be released by the Coroner's Office or when it was deemed publicly releasable as part of the investigation.
• Homicide vs. Death Investigation: Initially termed a "death investigation," Deputy Chief Hamilton later clarified that the Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) is now responsible for all homicides in Los Angeles. He explained a recent departmental change where RHD handles all homicides, regardless of whether robbery is involved. He apologized for any confusion, stating, "All homicides occurring in the city of Los Angeles are now handled by robbery homicide division as of the end of October. So we handle them all."
• Mayor's Statement: When reporters mentioned the Mayor had confirmed the incident involved the "Riners," Deputy Chief Hamilton stated he could not speak for the Mayor but reiterated that the Coroner's office would provide the official identification of the deceased.
• Timeline and Access: Regarding the delay in gaining access to the residence, Deputy Chief Hamilton explained that the six-hour period since the initial call was due to the necessary legal process of obtaining a search warrant. He clarified that patrol officers conduct an initial sweep, and if detectives are needed, they secure the area and then follow legal procedures.
• Neighbor Information: The LAPD confirmed they were canvassing the neighborhood and speaking to residents but stated there were no reports from neighbors regarding hearing or seeing anything that could be released to the public at that time.
• Other Residents: When asked if other family members resided in the house besides "Carl's wife," the Deputy Chief stated he did not have that information.
• Cause of Death and Timeline: The timeline of the incident and the cause of death were not yet established and would be determined through the investigation and released by the Coroner.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The LAPD is conducting a thorough death investigation into the discovery of two deceased individuals in Brentwood. The investigation is proceeding with a focus on legal compliance, including the necessary acquisition of a search warrant. While specific details remain confidential at this early stage, the department has committed to transparency and will release further information as it becomes available, with the next update anticipated the following morning. The Robbery Homicide Division is leading the investigation, which will involve forensic analysis and neighborhood canvassing.