Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s homicide division arrested Reiner, 32, on Sunday night. According to paintballers, they did respond with urgency to get him into custody. These are no ordinary allegations, as they involved the forthcoming murder trial of his parents — legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. The tragic discovery of their bodies in their Brentwood home led to a fast and furious investigation by law enforcement.
The police responded to a report of a death investigation at the family residence located in the 200 block of South Chadbourne Avenue on December 14 at approximately 3:40 PM local time. When officers arrived, they discovered Rob and Michele Reiner dead. Following the investigation, law enforcement officials arrested 41-year-old Nick Reiner on potential charges of the triple homicide. He is now charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will then consider the case for possible criminal filing. If convicted, Nick Reiner would be subject to harsh penalties, even the death penalty. He is charged with three murders of law enforcement officers. As a matter of law, authorities are claiming that he used a knife, a deadly weapon, in the commission of these crimes.
In addition, Nick Reiner had been living with his family on the property in Brentwood where, according to reports, tensions had sharply increased prior to the murders. The evening prior to the murders, witnesses heard an argument between Nick and Rob Reiner at a Christmas party hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien. This bitter public feud perhaps set the stage for the tragic turn that followed.
Michele Reiner had long tried to warn police about her son’s deteriorating mental health. I think a lot of people don’t realize he struggled with both addiction and mental illness for decades. Nick Reiner produced in part an autobiographical screenplay based on his life experiences. Fictional, but prophetic and prophetic, but real. In 2015, his father, Rob Reiner, directed the film adaptation of that book.
As we reported yesterday, when announcing the deployment, LAPD Chief Moore stressed the seriousness of the situation at an impromptu press conference.
“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for our entire city,” – Jim McDonnell.
As this case drags through the legal system, law enforcement officials have promised again and again to deliver a slam-dunk case in a courtroom.
“Evidence is something we will be presenting in a court of law to meet the standard of proof we meet at every criminal case, which is beyond a reasonable doubt,” – Jim McDonnell.