Hollywood is reeling after the shocking discovery of legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, photographer Michele Reiner, found dead in their Brentwood mansion. Their middle son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested on suspicion of their murders.
Gruesome Details of the Discovery
The couple's bodies were discovered on Sunday by their daughter, Romy, in what has been described as a harrowing find. According to sources speaking to the Daily Mail, the pair are believed to have been attacked "in the middle of the night" while they were in bed, with their throats slit.
Insiders from the Los Angeles Police Department told TMZ that rigor mortis had set in, indicating the Reiners had likely been dead for several hours before they were found. This contradicts an earlier report which suggested Michele may have been alive when discovered.
First responders from the LA Fire Department arrived at the scene around 3:30pm local time. A police source informed the Associated Press that the couple suffered multiple brutal stab wounds.
A Son Arrested After a Heated Argument
The tragedy followed a fiery dispute at a Christmas party hosted by Conan O'Brien the night before. Multiple sources, including reports to PEOPLE and NBC, claim Nick Reiner became "disruptive and upset" after his parents expressed concerns about his health at the gathering.
Witnesses described Nick "freaking everyone out" and asking guests if they were famous. The situation escalated when he reportedly interrupted a private conversation involving comedian Bill Hader, staring at the group before storming off. Rob and Michele, said to be upset and embarrassed, left the party shortly after.
Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested the following day on suspicion of the double murder and is being held without bail. His defence attorney, Alan Jackson, confirmed he is representing Nick and stated his client did not appear in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday as he had not been medically cleared for transport.
A Family's Troubled History
Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, met on the set of the classic romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally..., which Rob directed. They married in 1989 and had three children: actors Jake and Romy, and screenwriter Nick.
Of the three, Nick has been the most publicly vocal about his personal struggles. He has spoken openly in the past about battles with drug addiction and homelessness, revealing his troubles began when he was a teenager.
As the investigation continues, the entertainment world mourns the loss of an iconic director and his wife, while grappling with the horrifying circumstances of their deaths.
