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Conan O'Brien Reflects on Reiner Tragedy Days Before Hosting Oscars

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  • Conan O'Brien arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
    Conan O'Brien arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Conan O'Brien arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) (Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Source Full size

O'Brien Breaks Silence on Reiner Deaths Conan O'Brien publicly addressed the sudden deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, recalling the night after leaving his December 13, 2025 party and noting there is “no other word for it” [1]. He said the tragedy shocked him and his wife, Liza Powel O'Brien, who had been close to the family [1]. His comments come as he prepares to host the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony [1].

Frequent Reiner Visits Highlight Close Friendship O'Brien and his wife had been meeting the Reiners more frequently in the weeks before the tragedy, according to a New Yorker interview [1]. The couple described the Reiners as dear friends, emphasizing the personal impact of the loss [1]. Their regular gatherings underscore the depth of the relationship prior to the December incident [1].

Nick Reiner’s Arrest Follows Parents’ Murder At the December 13, 2025 party, Nick Reiner was described as “disruptive,” prompting concern from Rob and Michele [1]. Hours after the parents’ bodies were discovered on December 14, 2025, Nick was arrested near USC, charged with two counts of first‑degree murder, and placed without bail in Twin Towers Correctional Facility [1]. Multiple outlets reported the arrest and the serious charges stemming from the family tragedy [1].

O'Brien Praises Rob Reiner’s Film Legacy Ahead of Oscars While not commenting on the party itself, O'Brien lauded Rob Reiner’s cinematic achievements, noting that making one great movie is impressive, two is rare, and seven in a decade is “insanity” [1]. He highlighted “Spinal Tap” as a “splitting‑the‑atom moment” in film history [1]. The tribute links his reflections to his role as the soon‑to‑be Oscars host [1].

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Timeline

2020‑2021 – A court places Nick Reiner under a mental‑health conservatorship, appointing fiduciary Steven Baer who later tells the New York Times that “mental illness is an epidemic that is widely misunderstood and this is a horrible tragedy.” [6]

2015 – Nick co‑writes and stars in Being Charlie, a semi‑autobiographical film about his heroin addiction that his father Rob directs, later cited as a key moment in their strained relationship. [4]

May 4, 2016 – In a BUILD Series interview, Rob Reiner calls Being Charlie “cathartic” and says the project brought him “closer to” his son, while also admitting they often ignored Nick’s own instincts in favor of professional counselors. [19]

Dec 14, 2025 – Rob Reiner (78) and Michele Singer Reiner (68) are found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home; emergency crews arrive at 3:38 p.m. and pronounce both victims dead at the scene. [5][24][29]

Dec 15, 2025 – Police arrest Nick Reiner at 9:15 p.m. near USC, book him on a murder charge, and hold him without bail (initial bail set at $4 million). [5][30]

Dec 16, 2025 – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman formally charges Nick with two counts of first‑degree murder, adding special circumstances for multiple murders and use of a knife; prosecutors say they have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty. [16][18]

Dec 17, 2025 – At a brief hearing, Nick Reiner answers “yes, your honor” when asked about his right to a speedy trial, but does not enter a plea; he appears in shackles and a suicide‑prevention smock while his attorney Alan Jackson requests a later arraignment. [4][15]

Dec 20, 2025 – Siblings Romy and Jake Reiner release a statement describing their “unimaginable pain” and asking the public to remember their parents for their love and lives, while declining to comment on the murder allegations. [2]

Jan 7, 2026 – Nick Reiner appears briefly in Los Angeles Superior Court, stands behind a glass partition, smiles at deputies, and agrees to a continuance without entering a plea; Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene is appointed to represent him. [1][13]

Jan 7, 2026 – DA Nathan Hochman tells reporters outside the courthouse, “I am fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt of the brutal murders of his parents.” [1][9]

Jan 7, 2026 – Defense attorney Alan Jackson withdraws, stating “circumstances beyond our control, but more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick’s control” and asserting, “Pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder.” [7][9]

Jan 7, 2026 – Judge Theresa McGonigle grants Jackson’s request, approves Kimberly Greene as substitute counsel, and postpones the arraignment and plea hearing to Feb 23, 2026, while allowing limited camera access but prohibiting photos of the defendant. [11][12]

Jan 7, 2026 – Deputy Public Defender Greene says she spoke with Reiner for about 30 seconds and that her office learned of the substitution only the day before, underscoring the need for additional preparation time. [9]

Jan 7, 2026 – The court notes that the defense has ten sealed subpoenas tied to its investigation, which the judge agrees to keep confidential for now. [11]

Jan 7, 2026 – Prosecutors reiterate that they have not yet decided whether to pursue the death penalty, keeping the ultimate sentencing exposure open. [10][9]

Jan 16, 2026 – The New York Times reports that Nick Reiner’s 2020‑2021 conservatorship was overseen by Steven Baer, who emphasizes the broader societal misunderstanding of mental illness in the wake of the tragedy. [6]

Feb 23, 2026 – The next scheduled arraignment for Nick Reiner is set, where he will be required to enter a plea and the court will address any pre‑trial motions. [1][12]

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