Rob Reiner's Daughter Had No Idea Her Mom Was Dead After Discovering Dad's Body, Family Friend Reveals

It has been revealed that Rob Reiner's daughter, Romy, had no idea her mother, Michele, was dead after discovering her father's body.

The late couple's 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, who was arrested and charged with their murders, had a history of drug addiction and mental health struggles.

Since news of their deaths, Hollywood friends, including Billy Crystal, paid tribute to Rob Reiner and his wife, remembering them as a devoted and inspiring pair.

Romy Reiner Learned Of Her Mother's Death After Discovering Her Father's Body

Romy reportedly learned from paramedics that her mother had also been killed after she discovered the body of her father, the renowned Hollywood director Rob Reiner, at their Brentwood home in Los Angeles.

According to a family friend who spoke to the New York Times, the 28-year-old, who lives across the street, had been alerted by a massage therapist who noticed no response at the property gate on Sunday afternoon.

Accompanied by a roommate, Romy went to open the gate and check on her parents, where she found her father deceased. She quickly fled the house, had her roommate call 911, and reached out to Rob's longtime friend, Billy Crystal.

It wasn't until emergency responders arrived that Romy was informed of her mother, Michele Singer Reiner's, death, though she never saw her mother's body. Crystal, who has known Rob since starring in "When Harry Met Sally" in 1989, arrived at the scene with his wife and reportedly saw both parents.

Authorities say the couple had been dead for several hours, with rigor mortis already setting in, and were likely killed in the early hours before their daughter's discovery around 3:30 p.m.

Nick Reiner Arrested For Fatal Attack On Family Following Tense Holiday Party

Romy's older brother, Nick Reiner, 32, who had been staying in a guesthouse on the property, was arrested shortly after and charged with their murders.

Sources close to the family told the New York Times that there were no recent warning signs suggesting Nick could commit such an act, despite his long-standing struggles with drug addiction and mental health challenges.

According to reports, tension had escalated the night before at a Christmas party hosted by Conan O'Brien, culminating in a "very loud argument" involving Nick and his parents.

Witnesses recalled Nick questioning guests' identities and confronting performers, including "SNL" alum Bill Hader.

The disagreement was reportedly fueled by Nick's refusal to return to treatment after numerous rehab stints.

Rob Reiner Was Worried About His Son's Mental Health

Friends claimed that Rob and Michele had grown increasingly worried about his mental state.

"Rob had been telling people that they're scared for Nick and scared that his mental state was deteriorating," a lifelong family friend told the New York Post.

"These poor people did everything to help this kid," the source added.

One of the couple's neighbors also claimed that Nick had a propensity for violence.

"I know of another incident a few years back with Nick, but I won't say more than that," the anonymous source said. "I just never thought it would ever get to this point.

Nick Reiner Faces Murder Charges In Parents' Deaths

Nick now faces two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances and could be eligible for the death penalty if convicted. However, California has had a moratorium on executions since 2019.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized that "like any case, ​[prosecutors] will take the thoughts and the desires of the family into consideration" when deciding whether to seek capital punishment. During a news conference, he noted that no decision has yet been made about seeking the death penalty.

LA Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell described the case as "heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for the entire city."

He extended condolences to everyone affected by the tragedy. When asked about the murder weapon, Hochman said details would be revealed in court. Officials added that autopsies, which are still pending, will determine the precise cause, manner, and times of death.

Hollywood Mourns Rob And Michele Reiner

Rob's film legacy included iconic works such as "Stand By Me," "The Princess Bride," and "When Harry Met Sally."

In the wake of the tragedy, many of the Reiners' friends in Hollywood paid tribute. Billy Crystal joined actors, writers, and directors in a joint statement shared with the Associated Press two days after Rob and Michele were found dead.

The statement remembered the couple as "a special force together—dynamic, unselfish, and inspiring."

It highlighted Rob's evolution from learning from his father Carl and mentor Norman Lear to becoming not only a great comic actor but a master storyteller.

"There is no other director who has his range," it read. "From comedy to drama, to 'mockumentary' to documentary, he was always at the top of his game. He charmed audiences. They trusted him. They lined up to see his films."

The tribute also celebrated Rob and Michele's commitment beyond the screen: "Rob was a passionate, brave citizen who not only cared for this country he loved, but he did everything he could to make it better. With his loving wife Michele, he had the perfect partner."