HORROR HOMICIDE

FOLLOWING THE DEATHS OF THE DIRECTOR AND HIS WIFE, THEIR SON HAS BEEN CHARGED

- By Emma Levett

It was shocking enough when news broke on December 14 that 78-year-old Hollywood director Rob Reiner had been found dead alongside his wife, Michele, 68. But the story took an even darker twist when his youngest son, Nick Reiner, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for which he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty, if convicted.

The murders, reported to be consistent with a knife attack, came after the father and son were seen arguing at a party held at comedian Conan O’Brien’s home. According to a party attendee, Rob was heard telling his son that his behaviour was inappropriate.

Hours after the row, the famed director, known for hit films including When Harry Met Sally... and The Princess Bride, was found dead in his home in the upmarket neighbourhood of Brentwood, California. His daughter, Romy, 27, one of three children he shared with his wife of 36 years, is reported to have found her parents’ bodies.