The son of celebrated Hollywood director Rob Reiner was reportedly disruptive at a party hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien the night before his parents were found dead in their Los Angeles home. Nick Reiner, 32, has been arrested on suspicion of the murders.
A Troubling Night Before Tragedy
According to a source cited by Sky News's US partner NBC News, Nick Reiner attended the Saturday event with his father, Rob, and mother, Michele Singer Reiner. The couple were said to be upset and embarrassed by his behaviour, which also made other guests uncomfortable.
The outlet cited another source detailing a specific incident where Nick interrupted a private conversation filmmaker Bill Hader was having with two guests. When informed it was private, he reportedly stood still, stared, and then stormed off. The Reiners also expressed concerns about their son's health that evening.
A Brutal Discovery and Arrest
Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 68, were found dead inside their property in the affluent Brentwood neighbourhood. US media reported they apparently died of stab wounds. The Los Angeles Fire Department initially confirmed the discovery of the two victims without identifying them.
Los Angeles police chief Jim McDonnell stated the robbery and homicide division worked through the night on the case, leading to the custody of Nick Reiner. The case is set to be presented to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office for consideration.
Nick Reiner has spoken publicly of his struggles with addiction and homelessness. He and his father explored their difficult relationship in the 2016 film Being Charlie, which they co-wrote.
Political Firestorm and Tributes
The shocking deaths prompted an extraordinary and widely condemned response from former US President Donald Trump. On Truth Social, he described Rob Reiner as "tortured and struggling" and suggested the deaths were linked to what he called "TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME."
Celebrities and politicians from both sides of the aisle criticised the remarks. Actor Patrick Schwarzenegger called the statement "disgusting and vile," while California Governor Gavin Newsom labelled Trump a "sick man." Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene urged for empathy, stating the tragedy was about family and addiction, not politics.
Tributes have poured in for the acclaimed director of classics like This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and A Few Good Men. Former President Barack Obama said he and Michelle were "heartbroken," calling the deaths a "tragic passing."
Collaborator Harry Shearer said the event was "unspeakable, the stuff of Greek tragedy." Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass highlighted Reiner's advocacy, calling his loss "devastating for our city and our country."
