Conan O'Brien Breaks Silence on Rob Reiner's 'Awful' Murder After Party with Jailed Son

The talk show host speaks out about the tragedy two months after his friends were killed, just hours after attending his Christmas party with their now-jailed son.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Conan O'Brien has finally spoken out about the tragic murders of his friends, acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, who were killed just hours after attending O'Brien's annual Christmas party in 2025. Their son Nick, who was at the party, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. O'Brien said he was 'in shock' for an extended period after their deaths, calling it 'just so awful' and reflecting on how Rob's 'voice' has now been silenced.

Why it matters

The Reiner murders have shaken the entertainment community, with many expressing shock and grief over the loss of the high-profile couple. The case also raises questions about mental health, family dynamics, and the criminal justice system, as the couple's son Nick has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is now facing life in prison for the killings.

The details

According to reports, Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 70, were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on December 14, 2025, with 'multiple sharp force injuries' caused by a knife. Their youngest daughter Romy discovered their bodies. Their son Nick, 32, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Nick had reportedly been diagnosed with schizophrenia in the weeks before the murders and had a heated argument with his parents just hours after attending Conan O'Brien's Christmas party with them.

  • On December 14, 2025, Rob and Michele Reiner were found murdered in their home.
  • Nick Reiner was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
  • Nick Reiner was scheduled to be arraigned on February 23, 2026 after his original lawyer quit the case.

The players

Conan O'Brien

A talk show host who hosted an annual Christmas party that the Reiners attended shortly before their murders.

Rob Reiner

A 78-year-old acclaimed filmmaker who was murdered along with his wife Michele.

Michele Reiner

A 70-year-old producer who was murdered along with her husband Rob.

Nick Reiner

The 32-year-old son of Rob and Michele Reiner who has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in their deaths.

Romy Reiner

The youngest daughter of Rob and Michele Reiner who discovered their bodies in their home.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's just so awful. And I think about how Rob felt about things that are happening in the country, how involved he was, how much he put himself out there – and to have that voice go quiet in an instant is still hard for me to comprehend.”

— Conan O'Brien (The New Yorker)

“The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren't just our parents; they were our best friends.”

— Jake and Romy Reiner, Rob and Michele Reiner's children (Statement)

What’s next

Nick Reiner is scheduled to be arraigned on February 23, 2026 after his original lawyer quit the case. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.

The takeaway

The tragic murders of Rob and Michele Reiner have devastated their family, friends, and the entertainment community. The case highlights the complex issues surrounding mental health, family dynamics, and the criminal justice system when a loved one is accused of a horrific crime.