New details have emerged about the deaths of film director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, whose bodies were found at their Los Angeles home in Brentwood on Sunday.
According to a report in the New York Times, citing an anonymous person close to the family, a massage therapist first raised the alarm after being unable to enter the home for an appointment on Sunday. The therapist contacted the couple’s daughter, Romy Reiner, who lives nearby. Romy entered the house and discovered her father’s body. The Times reported that she “fled the house in anguish,” unaware her mother’s body was also inside. Her roommate, who had accompanied her, called 911. Emergency responders then found Michele’s body.
Authorities have charged the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, with two counts of first-degree murder and the use of a dangerous weapon—a knife. He is currently in custody without bail.
The source quoted by the Times also disputed several earlier reports. They said that while Romy told emergency responders Nick lived in a guesthouse on the property, she did not identify him as a potential suspect at that time.
The source also challenged widely reported claims that Rob and Michele had been particularly “apprehensive” about Nick’s recent behavior, stating the family was “accustomed to working through [Nick’s] problems together.” This includes reports of Nick’s “erratic” conduct at a party hosted by Conan O’Brien the night before the bodies were discovered. The source said that while they could not confirm whether Rob had “rebuked” his son for disruptive behavior at the party, reports of a “heated argument” between them were inaccurate.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said on Tuesday that the coroner had not yet determined whether the Reiners died late Saturday or on Sunday. Media reports indicated the condition of their bodies suggested they had been dead for several hours.
Nick Reiner was arrested around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday in the Exposition Park neighborhood, approximately 15 miles away. He was scheduled for an arraignment hearing on Tuesday, but his lawyer, Alan Jackson, stated that Nick had not received medical clearance and would not appear in court until Wednesday at the earliest.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About the Discovery of Rob and Michele Reiners Bodies
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 Who were Rob and Michele Reiner
Rob and Michele Reiner were a married couple from California Rob was a wellknown venture capitalist and Michele was a prominent philanthropist and investor
2 What happened to them
They were found deceased in their home Authorities are investigating their deaths as a murdersuicide
3 How were their bodies discovered
According to new details a close friend of the couple became concerned after not hearing from them This friend went to their home gained entry and discovered their bodies
4 When were they found
They were discovered on the morning of Monday February 26 2024
5 Where exactly were they found
They were found inside their home in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco
Advanced Detailed Questions
6 What specific new details have emerged about the discovery
Reports indicate the discovering friend had a key to the home and entered after calls and texts went unanswered The scene suggested the incident had occurred several days prior to the discovery
7 What evidence points to a murdersuicide
While the official investigation is ongoing law enforcement sources have stated that evidence at the scene including a firearm found near Rob Reiner supports the preliminary assessment of a murdersuicide A note was also reportedly found
8 Was there any sign of forced entry or a struggle
Authorities have stated there was no sign of forced entry which supports the theory that the perpetrator was inside the home lawfully
9 What was the official cause and manner of death
The San Francisco Medical Examiners Office has ruled Michele Reiners death a homicide by gunshot wound and Rob Reiners death a suicide by gunshot wound
10 Were there any known prior issues or motives
The couple was known to be facing significant financial and legal pressures including a recent lawsuit Investigators are looking into these stresses as potential factors
11 What is the status of the investigation now
While the medical examiner has made its determination the police investigation typically reviews all evidence to confirm the sequence of events The case is likely being finalized with no suspects being sought
Practical Public Interest Questions
12 How long had they been deceased before being found
Based on reports
