Nick Reiner Arrested Following Parents’ Deaths
Nick Reiner was not present at the Brentwood, California residence of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, when their bodies were discovered.
Arrest Details
According to a report by ABC News on December 15, investigators believe Nick, 32, left the Brentwood area and traveled near the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Authorities located him at a metro station near the campus and arrested him for murder around 9:15 p.m. local time, approximately six hours after his parents were found deceased.
Photos obtained by Page Six show Nick, dressed in a black jacket with white stripes, being detained by a Los Angeles Police Department officer before being escorted to a police vehicle.
Us Weekly has contacted the University of Southern California for comments.
Incident Background
Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, were discovered dead in their home on December 14. The LAPD confirmed they suffered “apparent stab wounds.” Nick was arrested the following day and is being held at Los Angeles’ Twin Towers jail without bail.
The day before their deaths, Rob and Michele attended a holiday gathering at Conan O’Brien’s residence with Nick on December 13. A source told Us that Nick behaved “creepily” at the event, approaching attendees and inquiring about their fame. TMZ reported a “very loud argument” between Nick and his father at the party.
Family Dynamics and History
Nick’s troubled history and strained relationship with his parents were well-known. A source close to the situation explained that Nick had “always been hostile and volatile” towards his family, adding that while the current situation is shocking, it is not entirely unexpected.
“Much of his anger was directed at his parents for many years,” the source noted. “They did everything possible to help him, including seeking treatment and allowing him to move back in after leaving.”
His hostility also affected his siblings, with sister Romy reportedly “traumatized” by his behavior. “She was very close to her parents, and their ongoing pain over Nick affected her and the entire family,” the insider shared. Rob and Michele had three children: Nick, Romy, and Jake. Rob also adopted daughter Tracy with his late ex-wife Penny Marshall.
Another source revealed that Rob and Michele were “open” about their struggles with Nick, emphasizing that those who knew them are struggling with the news, as it was never a secret.
Nick’s Struggles with Addiction
Nick has been open about his battle with drug addiction, which began with his first rehab stint at 15. After multiple attempts at treatment, he experienced homelessness across several states.
“I was homeless in Maine, New Jersey, and Texas,” Nick shared with People in 2016. “I spent nights and weeks on the street. It wasn’t fun. If I didn’t follow their suggested programs, I had to be homeless.”
Nick eventually achieved sobriety and co-wrote Being Charlie in 2015, directed by Rob, which depicted his early addiction struggles. Cary Elwes played the father, while Nick Robinson starred as the lead.
Despite finding the collaboration “therapeutic,” both admitted to “disagreements” during the project. “At times it was really rough,” Rob stated at a film event, with Nick adding that it sometimes became “overwhelming.”
Nick Reiner had “always been hostile and volatile” towards his family before his arrest for allegedly murdering his parents, sources told Us Weekly. “Nick’s problems have persisted for so long, so while everyone is shocked, it’s not entirely surprising,” sources added.
Further Revelations
Nick discussed his drug issues on the “Dopey” podcast in 2018, admitting to stealing $200 from his parents at 15 to pay a sex worker. He also recounted damaging their guest house while high, saying, “I was completely spun out on uppers, and I was up for days. I started punching things in the guest house, including the TV.”
When questioned about the rationale behind the destruction, Nick stated, “You’re crazy. No logic.”
