Legendary film director Rob Reiner and his producer wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles mansion last Sunday, hours before they were expected for dinner with former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
The Tragic Discovery
New, harrowing details have emerged about the moment the couple's bodies were discovered. That afternoon, the Reiners had a scheduled massage appointment at their Brentwood home. When the massage therapist received no answer at the gate, they reportedly contacted the couple's daughter, Romy Reiner, who lives nearby.
Romy, the youngest of the Reiner siblings, arrived at the family home accompanied by a housemate. Upon entering the property, she walked into a crime scene and encountered the sight of her father's body before immediately fleeing, according to a report by The New York Times.
In a heartbreaking twist, it is understood that Romy did not initially realise her mother was also dead. A paramedic later broke the second piece of devastating news to her, a source close to the family told the outlet.
A Night of Conflict Before the Crime
The grim discovery followed a night of visible family tension. Just the evening before, the Reiners had attended a star-studded Christmas party hosted by Conan O'Brien, accompanied by their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner.
Fellow guests witnessed a heated argument erupt among the trio. The row allegedly centred on Nick's well-documented struggles with drug use and his reluctance to seek further treatment. After the confrontation, Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, left the gathering, where Nick is said to have caused an uncomfortable scene.
Mere hours later, both parents were dead. Police officers responded to a death investigation at the Reiner home, with detectives immediately launching what LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell called a "comprehensive investigation." Nick Reiner was arrested and taken into custody that same night.
Charges and Court Appearance
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has ruled the cause of death as "multiple sharp force injuries." A source told the Daily Mail the couple's throats were slit in bed.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that Nick Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of multiple murders. The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.
Nick Reiner appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday, shackled and wearing what appeared to be a suicide prevention vest. He waived his right to enter a plea and uttered only three words: "Yes, your honour," when asked if he understood his right to a speedy trial.
Outside court, his lawyer, Alan Jackson, stated there were "complex and serious issues" at play and asked the public not to rush to judgement.
A Family's Heartbreak
Following the court hearing, Rob and Michele's children, Romy and Jake Reiner, issued a joint statement. "Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day," they said.
They described the loss as "horrific and devastating" and remembered their parents as "not just our parents; they were our best friends." The statement concluded with a request for privacy and for their parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived.
Chief McDonnell echoed the sentiment of a city in mourning, stating: "This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for our entire city."
