Sister of Rob and Michele Reiner reflects on loss, service

Martine Singer, head of the Children’s Institute, is mourning her sister Michele Reiner and brother-in-law Rob Reiner while continuing work tied to their public-service legacy, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

The report centers on a Los Angeles-area family tragedy and nonprofit work in Los Angeles and Long Beach, with no stated Orange County connection.

ABC7 Los Angeles reported that Michele Reiner and filmmaker Rob Reiner were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home in December 2025. Their son Nick Reiner has been accused in the killings and has pleaded not guilty.

Singer, who heads the Children’s Institute, said she learned what happened through a phone call from a relative. "She said something terrible has happened, and you've got to get over there, and it was probably the longest car ride of my life," Singer told ABC7 Los Angeles.

Singer said she returned to her work after the deaths while helping support her late sister’s family. "I'm functioning. I went right back to work in January, as best I could. But it's always there. It's always in my mind and in my heart," Singer said.

The Children’s Institute has 900 staff members, a $100 million budget and three campuses in Los Angeles and Long Beach, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Singer has led the organization for 10 years, and the report said the Reiners supported its work because of their interest in helping underserved children.

Singer described the Reiners as deeply present in public and family life. "They were a force field. They really were. They were magnetic, charismatic. They were funny and loud and boisterous, and the world seems very empty without them," Singer said.

Jake Reiner, the oldest son of Rob and Michele Reiner, said Singer has supported him and Romy after the deaths. "Martine has stepped into this maternal role for both Romy and myself like you wouldn't believe," Jake Reiner told ABC7 Los Angeles.

Singer said she cannot replace Michele Reiner, but she will try to help, support and guide the family if they want it.