Rob Reiner reportedly got into a “heated” argument with his son Nick on Saturday, one night before the legendary actor/director and his wife Michele were discovered murdered in their Los Angeles home.
The couple was found dead from apparent stab wounds on Sunday evening. Nick Reiner has been taken into custody and charged with murder, his bail reportedly set at $4 million.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a family spokesman told Variety Sunday. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Timing of reported quarrel adds new layer to tragedy
Reiner, 78, and his son were involved in a “very loud” argument at Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party Saturday night, TMZ reported Monday morning. The Los Angeles Timesfirst reported news of the squabble, with TMZ providing further alleged details.
After the confrontation, the All in the Family star and his wife apparently left the party.
TMZ added that in recent months, Michele Reiner “had been anguishing to friends” over their son’s longtime mental health and substance abuse issues, saying they did not know what further steps to take.
“We’ve tried everything,” she allegedly told friends.
Nick Reiner talked openly about his struggles
Over the years, Nick Reiner, 32, has spoken publicly about his personal problems, which included addiction, homelessness and mental health battles.
In a 2016 interview with PEOPLE, he discussed his past, which included multiple stints in drug rehab starting at the age of 15, as well as periods of living on the street in different states.
“I was homeless in Maine. I was homeless in New Jersey. I was homeless in Texas,” Nick said. “I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun.”
In 2015, Nick wrote the screenplay for Being Charlie, which was directed by his father. The film depicts the story of the drug-addicted teenaged son of a California politician and their complicated relationship.
Being Charlie was based heavily on Nick and Rob’s life story, with the project reportedly being used to “exorcise demons,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
Rob Reiner’s daughter breaks silence
Reiner met his wife, photographer Michele Singer, while directing 1989’s When Harry Met Sally. The two were married that same year, and shared three children: sons Jake and Nick, and daughter Romy.
Reiner also had an adopted daughter Tracy from his previous marriage to actress Penny Marshall. Tracy Reiner spoke out about her family’s tragedy to NBC News Monday.
“I came from the greatest family ever,” she said. “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
