Nick Reiner, the son of famed Hollywood director Rob Reiner, will be formally charged with his parents’ murder when he appears in court in Los Angeles on Tuesday, according to the AFP news agency.
Nick, 32, was taken into custody earlier on Sunday after the bodies of his 78-year-old father Rob and 68-year-old mother Michele were discovered with multiple stab wounds at their Los Angeles residence, located in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood.
The slain Hollywood couple was discovered by their younger daughter, Romy Reiner, who immediately informed the police that a family member had committed the crime.
Reports at the time indicated that Nick, who has a history of substance abuse, was taken in for questioning.
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At the time, entertainment news outlet TMZ also reported that there was a heated argument between Nick and his parents at the party.
Rob and Michele, along with Nick, went to comedian Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party on Saturday night when the reported row broke out.
The verbal spat between father and son was “very loud,” so much so that several guests at O’Brien’s party heard it, according to TMZ.
Family sources told the paper that Rob and Michele left the party after an argument. It was unclear if Nick left with them.
A few hours after the party, the bodies of Rob and Michele were discovered.
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Family sources cited by TMZ said Michelle recently confided in friends that she and Rob have been struggling to cope with Nick’s behavior, with the couple reportedly distraught over their 32-year-old son’s mental health and alleged substance abuse issues.
While Nick was arrested on a murder charge, that could escalate to a double-murder charge on Tuesday.
That said, at the time of writing, police have not said anything about a motive for the killing.
Hollywood was stunned
The brutal killing of 78-year-old Reiner and his wife stunned Hollywood’s Who is Who.
Oscar-winning actress Kathy Bates, who won the award as the star of Reiner’s Misery (1990), paid rich tributes to the late director, known for several hits and critical favorites, including Cary Elwes and Robin Wright in The Princess Bride (1987), Meg Ryan in When Febrary – Tom Ryan in When FeF Harry-Good Men Sally and Cruise (1992).
Commenting on the director’s murder, Bates said: “I loved Rob. He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of all genres to establish himself as an artist. He also fought bravely for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life. Michele was a gifted photographer.”
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Actor Kevin Bacon, who starred in A Few Good Men alongside Tom Cruise, also paid tribute to Reiner and his wife.
Recounting how Reiner gave him a chance and Michele’s warmth, Bacon said, “So I’m sending love to everyone who knew him because I know everyone’s hurting today. Today is sad. Thank you for everything, Rob. May you and Michele rest in peace.”
Bacon and Cruise co-star Demi Moore also shared her grief over the death of the A Few Good Men director, saying: “They were amazing people and amazing parents who sacrificed to make the world a better place. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to their family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Fellow Hollywood director Ron Howard also paid tribute, calling Reiner a “superlative filmmaker” and a “dedicated citizen”, while Sir Elton John described Rob and Michele as “two of the most beautiful people” he had ever met.
Others from the industry who paid tribute to the slain Hollywood duo included Monty Python star Eric Idle, actor John Cusack and Elijah Wood of Lord of the Rings fame.
Several Democrats, including former US Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as former Vice President Kamala Harris, shared their grief and disbelief at the news.
