Nick Reiner, son of Rob Reiner, attends the Los Angeles Premiere of ''Spinal Tap II: The End Continues'' at The Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, California, US, September 9, 2025. © REUTERS/Aude Guerrucci/File Photo
(Los Angeles, CA) – With Nick Reiner reportedly on suicide watch, the world is struggling to put together the pieces and make sense of the details. Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were brutally murdered on Sunday, December 14, 2025 — and now their own son stands accused of the crime.
Because he was not yet “medically cleared,” according to his attorney — Nick Reiner did not appear for arraignment on Tuesday. It’s not clear who is paying his medical bills.
Some of the things that have come out since the crime are heartbreaking and troubling. Nick has reportedly dealt with drug addiction and homelessness over the years — being in and out of rehab since he was 15 years old. One story goes that he completely destroyed the family’s guest home in Brentwood, while in a meth-induced rage. And we also know that Nick and his parents got into a heated screaming match at Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party — just hours before the rampage ensued.
The younger Reiner’s life was apparently troubled from a young age, and some have said he struggled with the weight of his father’s lofty accomplishments. Plus, Carl Reiner — Nick’s grandfather — was an accomplished comedic actor before his death years ago. Despite their fractured relationship, father and son made attempts to improve the situation. That included making a film together — “Being Charlie”.
Described as semi-autobiographical, the 2016 film tells the story of a young man who battles drug addiction and homelessness — much like its screenwriter did in real life. Rob Reiner reportedly pulled out all the stops in an attempt to make the film a success — lining up some big name actors and throwing his name as a producer behind the project. But some associated with the making of the film say the two bickered on set — with at least one observer describing Nick as ungrateful and spoiled throughout.
Sadly as we now know, the film — which largely bombed at the box office — did not mend the wounds in their bond. And the final horrifying moments for the parents as their son allegedly did what he did can hardly be imagined. The films he directed and acting performances he put on tape will be Rob Reiner’s enduring legacy.
One of Reiner’s close friends — actor Billy Crystal, star of the director’s “When Harry Met Sally” — was one of the first to respond to the murdered couple’s home. He reportedly saw their slain bodies and left the residence in tears.
A native of the Bronx, Reiner was 78 years old. His wife Michele was 68. She was an accomplished photographer. Together the couple had another son Jake and a daughter Romy. She tragically first discovered their bodies. Rob Reiner also adopted his daughter Tracy — who was Penny Marshall’s biological daughter. Marshall passed away in 2018.
