Guests at Conan O’Brien’s holiday party witnessed Nick Reiner’s erratic behavior before his parents were found dead.
The Holiday Gathering
Conan O’Brien hosted a festive gathering in West Los Angeles on Saturday night. Guests reported a tense atmosphere, with the host’s usual humor seemingly absent. The event took place just one night before Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were discovered dead at their Brentwood home.
Nick Reiner’s Unsettling Conduct
Nick Reiner, 32, was present at the party and reportedly behaved oddly. Sources described him as anxious and uncomfortable, a demeanor that deeply unsettled several attendees. The younger Reiner’s actions drew attention from family friends who later spoke to the Los Angeles Times.
A Shouting Match with Dad
One unnamed attendee told The New York Times that Rob Reiner confronted Nick, saying his behavior was inappropriate. The confrontation escalated into a shouting match between the two. Witnesses said the argument was brief but intense.
Trying to Join a Private Conversation
Another partygoer who spoke with NBC News recalled Nick attempting to join a conversation between former “SNL” cast member Bill Hader and another guest. When Hader explained the chat was private, Nick stared at the comedian and “storm[ed] off,” the source said.
The Tragic Discovery
The next afternoon, Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead inside their Brentwood residence. Police had not released details about the deaths, but TMZ reported that the couple “had their throats slit by a family member, possibly after an argument.”
Arrest and Investigation
Nick Reiner was arrested late Sunday night in connection with the slayings. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has yet to formally charge the 32-year-old, though homicide investigators are expected to file the case with prosecutors this week. The motive for the killings remains unclear.
Addiction History
Nick Reiner has previously discussed his struggles with addiction, and has been in and out of rehab centers over the course of his life. In a 2018 podcast, Nick said he was once so strung out on cocaine that he stayed awake for several days inside his parents’ guest house and started punching things, including a TV and a lamp.
2016 Interview with KTLA
In 2016, Rob Reiner discussed Nick’s battle with addiction with Nexstar, speaking with Sam Rubin on the KTLA 5 Morning News. The subject was the focus of Rob’s 2015 movie “Being Charlie,” which follows the journey of a California politician’s drug-addicted son who finds love with a fellow patient in rehab. Nick had co-written the film.
Key Takeaways
- Nick Reiner’s erratic behavior at Conan O’Brien’s party foreshadowed the tragic events that followed.
- The Reiners were found dead the next afternoon, with police pointing to a family member as the suspect.
- Nick’s history of addiction and recent arrest highlight a complex personal struggle.
The case remains under investigation, and the community watches as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the Reiners’ deaths.
