The unusual three questions Nick Reiner asked A-listers at Conan O'Brien's party - hours before allegedly killing parents
Sources say that the 32-year-old was badgering partygoers with absurd questions before being asked to leave
Nick Reiner reportedly inundated A-listers at Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party with a series of strange questions just hours before he allegedly fatally stabbed his parents.
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Nick Reiner had joined his father and mother, Michele Singer Reiner, at the Christmas party on Saturday.
What began as a festive gathering of Hollywood celebrities reportedly took an uncomfortable turn when the 32-year-old son of the legendary director was asked to leave after badgering multiple guests with bizarre inquiries.
According to a source from the party, Reiner - who has struggled with substance abuse for more than half his life - repeatedly interrupted comedian Bill Hader, whom his father had introduced to him earlier in the evening.
“What’s your name? What’s your last name? Are you famous?," he asked, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The couple were said to be upset and embarrassed about their son's behaviour that night and expressed concerns about his health - with claims Rob and Nick engaged in a heated argument at the event.
His behaviour also allegedly made other guests uncomfortable.
Police have now said Reiner is responsible for killing his parents, renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
Rob, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead on Sunday in their sprawling $13.5 million mansion, with their throats cut and multiple stab wounds.
Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) said in a statement on Monday night: "As a result of the initial investigation, it was determined that the Reiners were the victims of homicide.
"The investigation further revealed that Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of Robert and Michele Reiner, was responsible for their deaths. Nick Reiner was located and arrested at approximately 9:15 p.m."
The force added: "He was booked for murder and remains in custody with no bail, under Booking Number 7144668."
The US custom of booking means that his name has been literally written in a book in association with the crime, his mugshot has been taken, and he has also given his fingerprints.
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Nick is the middle son of the deceased couple's three children together and had been working as a screenwriter.
He had co-written the screenplay for the 2016 film "Being Charlie", which his father directed.
The film, about a drug-addicted teenager, was loosely based on his own addiction struggles.
Nick has has rarely been seen publicly since he opened up about his struggles with drug addiction in 2016.
The Reiner couple were discovered by daughter, Romy, who reportedly told police that a family member "should be a suspect because they are dangerous".
Police were called to the six-bedroom home just after 3:30pm on Sunday before the pair's deaths were confirmed by a family spokesperson.
They said in a short statement: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner.
"We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time."
Reiner is known for directing several iconic films, including When Harry Met Sally, This is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, Stand By Me, Misery and A Few Good Men.
In the wake of his deaths, tributes to the director poured in from across the entertainment industry.
US actor James Woods said he and Reiner had been friends since they made 1996 thriller Ghosts Of Mississippi together.
In an online post, he said: “The studio didn’t think I was old enough to do the part, but Rob fought for me.
“Political differences never stood in the way of our love and respect for each other. I am devastated by this terrible event.”
Christopher Guest, who is married to Hollywood actor Jamie Lee Curtis and starred in two of Reiner's hit movies, This Is Spinal Tap and The Princess Bride, spoke of the couple's shock.
“We are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michelle Singer Reiner and our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them,” he said on Monday.
“There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis,” the couple wrote. “We have lost great friends.
"Please give us time to grieve.”
Director Paul Feig took to X to add his tribute to the Hollywood icon: “Rob is one of my heroes. I had the honor of calling him a friend. I pray this isn’t what it sounds like it is. I just saw [him] and Michele two nights ago.”
Elsewhere, Frozen actor Josh Gad described Reiner as “one of the greatest directors of our time” in a post on Instagram.