Disturbing new details have surfaced regarding the deaths of acclaimed film director Rob Reiner and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, whose bodies were discovered at their Los Angeles home last Sunday. Their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, now faces two counts of first-degree murder.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
According to a report in the New York Times, which cites an anonymous source close to the family, the alarm was first raised by a massage therapist. The therapist arrived for a scheduled appointment at the Reiners' Brentwood property but was unable to gain entry.
The concerned therapist then contacted the couple's daughter, Romy Reiner, who lives nearby. Romy went to the house and made the grim discovery of her father's body. The source stated that Romy "fled the house in anguish," unaware that her mother's body was also inside. It was Romy's roommate, who had accompanied her, who placed the urgent call to emergency services.
Upon arrival, first responders then found the body of Michele Singer Reiner. The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed that Nick Reiner was arrested later that Sunday evening in the Exposition Park area, roughly 15 miles from the family home.
Disputed Reports and Family Dynamics
The source quoted by the Times sought to correct several elements of the initial media coverage. They specifically disputed widespread reports that Rob and Michele had been notably "apprehensive" about their son Nick's recent behaviour, stating the family was accustomed to working through his issues together.
Furthermore, the source addressed claims of an incident at a party hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien on the Saturday night before the bodies were found. While not denying some disruptive behaviour, the source contested that a "heated argument" had taken place between father and son, calling that characterisation incorrect.
The source also clarified that when Romy spoke to emergency responders, she informed them her brother lived in a guesthouse on the property but did not initially identify him as a potential suspect.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Nick Reiner remains in custody without bail, charged with two counts of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of using a dangerous weapon, reported to be a knife. He was due for an arraignment hearing on Tuesday, but his lawyer, Alan Jackson, stated his client had not received medical clearance. His court appearance is now expected no earlier than Wednesday.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell indicated on Tuesday that the coroner is still working to pinpoint the exact time of death, which could have been late Saturday or sometime on Sunday. Media reports suggest the state of the bodies indicated they had been deceased for several hours prior to discovery.
The case continues to send shockwaves through the entertainment community and beyond, as authorities piece together the final hours of the well-known couple's lives.
