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Conan O'Brien Addresses Reiner Family Deaths Ahead of Oscars Hosting

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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 Tragedy Conan O'Brien publicly addressed the sudden deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner on February 21, 2026, recalling the night after leaving his December 13, 2025 party and noting there was “no other word for it” [1]. He and his wife Liza Powel O'Brien had been meeting the Reiners frequently before the incident, underscoring the personal impact of the loss [1]. The remarks were made in the lead‑up to his role as the upcoming Oscars host [1].

Reiner Family Deaths Follow Disruptive Party Incident At O'Brien’s December 13, 2025 gathering, Nick Reiner was described as “disruptive,” prompting Rob and Michele Reiner to express concern over his behavior and health [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 highlighted the rapid escalation from party dispute to homicide investigation [1].

O'Brien Praises Rob Reiner’s Cinematic Achievements While reflecting on the tragedy, O'Brien lauded Rob Reiner’s film legacy, stating that producing one great movie is impressive, two is rare, and seven in a decade is “insanity” [1]. He singled out “Spinal Tap” as a “splitting‑the‑atom moment,” emphasizing the director’s cultural impact [1]. The tribute linked the personal loss to Reiner’s broader contributions to cinema [1].

O'Brien Set to Host 2026 Oscars Ceremony The article notes that O'Brien will host the upcoming Oscars ceremony, tying his reflections on the Reiner tragedy to his imminent high‑profile role [1]. His comments are positioned as part of the promotional narrative surrounding the awards show [1]. The hosting assignment marks a significant moment in his career following the personal revelations [1].

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Timeline

2020–2021 – Nick Reiner is placed under a court‑appointed mental‑health conservatorship, with fiduciary Steven Baer overseeing his affairs; Baer later describes mental illness “as an epidemic that is widely misunderstood and this is a horrible tragedy”[7].

Dec 13, 2025 – At Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party in Los Angeles, Nick Reiner has a heated argument with his father Rob, and guests note his disruptive behavior, which later becomes a focal point of media coverage[19].

Dec 14, 2025 (early morning) – Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 68, die from multiple sharp‑force injuries in their Brentwood home, a homicide later confirmed by the medical examiner[5].

Dec 14, 2025 (≈3:30 p.m.) – Daughter Romy Reiner discovers the bodies, instructs a friend to call 911, and police arrive at the scene around 3:40 p.m.[5].

Dec 14, 2025 (≈8:20 p.m.) – Surveillance captures Nick Reiner at an ARCO gas station near USC, wearing a baseball cap and red backpack, shortly before his arrest[4].

Dec 14, 2025 (≈9:15 p.m.) – Los Angeles police arrest Nick Reiner near the University of Southern California, place him in custody without bail, and later label him “responsible” for the killings[19].

Dec 15, 2025 – LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell announces a $4 million bail and confirms the investigation remains focused on the Reiner family, while public figures issue tributes[22].

Dec 16, 2025 – District Attorney Nathan Hochman files two counts of first‑degree murder with special circumstances (multiple murders and a knife weapon) against Nick Reiner; Hochman says the office has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty[16].

Dec 17, 2025 – In his first court appearance, Nick Reiner, shackled and wearing a suicide‑prevention smock, answers “yes, your honor” when asked about his right to a speedy trial; his attorney Alan Jackson calls the case a “devastating tragedy,” and the arraignment is postponed to Jan 7, 2026[10][13].

Dec 17, 2025 – The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner officially lists the cause of death as “multiple sharp force injuries,” confirming the stabbing homicide[12].

Dec 17, 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[1].

Jan 7, 2026 – Nick Reiner appears in Los Angeles Superior Court for arraignment, where he is expected to enter a plea and the case moves toward preliminary hearings[9].

Jan 16, 2026 – A New York Times report reiterates Nick Reiner’s 2020–2021 conservatorship, notes that high‑profile attorney Alan Jackson withdraws, and announces Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene will represent him at a rescheduled arraignment on Feb 23, 2026[7].

Feb 21, 2026 – Conan O’Brien reflects on the Reiner tragedy, saying there is “no other word for it,” and notes he will host the upcoming Oscars ceremony, linking his remarks to the high‑profile nature of the case[6].

Feb 23, 2026 (scheduled) – Nick Reiner’s next court appearance is set for a February arraignment, where his new counsel will address the pending murder charges and any potential death‑penalty considerations[7].

Mar 2026 (planned) – Conan O’Brien is slated to host the Academy Awards, bringing further public attention to the Reiner case as the ceremony approaches[6].

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