Cinematographer Barry Markowitz shared a haunting glimpse into the life of Rob and Michele Reiner just weeks before their shocking deaths.
Markowitz, who had been a close friend of Rob for years, stayed in the Reiners’ Brentwood home during a recent visit to Los Angeles for the premiere of The Perfect Gamble on November 14.
Instead of booking a hotel, Rob personally insisted Markowitz stay with them, welcoming him into their daily routines and family life.
“It was five nights of pure normalcy,” Markowitz recalled, describing shared meals, watching basketball, playing with the dogs, and enjoying quiet evenings together.
A Sense of Safety Amidst Chaos
Perhaps the most striking detail, Markowitz emphasized, was the absence of any fear.
“I slept in the same house as Nick,” he told Page Six, noting that neither Rob nor Michele ever hinted at concern for their safety.
During his stay, Nick appeared engaged and present, helping around the house, washing dishes, taking out trash, and even joining in on family dinners and sports.
“Everything seemed normal,” Markowitz said.
“He was just… regular. It was hard to imagine what came after.”
The Tragedy That Defies Understanding
Markowitz admitted that the horrific outcome—the double murder of his friends—was almost impossible to reconcile with what he witnessed firsthand.
“There was never a thought that Nick was dangerous,” he explained.
“If Rob ever felt in peril, he would have acted. That’s the kind of man he was.”
He also pointed to mental health as the likely root of the tragedy rather than motive.
Despite Nick’s long-standing struggles with substance abuse, Rob and Michele had continued to support him unconditionally.
“They never, ever, ever gave up on him,” Markowitz said.
Remembering Rob and Michele
In the days following their deaths, Markowitz shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing the depth of his grief.
“I just lost my best friends and long-time mentors… Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner.
I loved you so much,” he wrote. “It was only last week we were together… I’m devastated.”
Arrest and Charges
Nick Reiner, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty, though Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has not confirmed whether prosecutors will seek that option.
A special allegation also cites that a knife was used in the killings.
The murders occurred just hours after Rob reportedly had a “very loud argument” with Nick at a holiday party hosted by Conan O’Brien.
Witnesses noted Nick’s erratic behavior and antisocial actions during the gathering, where he also questioned guests about fame.
Discovery and Arrest
The tragic scene was discovered by the couple’s youngest child, Romy Reiner, 27, who lives across the street.
Nick, the middle child, was arrested later that evening, following a police search of a nearby motel room, where authorities found a shower and bed covered in blood.
Bystanders described Nick’s arrest as calm and controlled.
Kevin Cheatham, 34, who witnessed the scene, said Nick appeared “cool” as police and a K9 unit approached and took him into custody without incident.
A Life Shadowed by Addiction
Sources say Nick had long struggled with substance abuse, living in the guest house of his parents’ mansion while enduring periods of meth use, sleeplessness, and violent outbursts.
The Reiners had reportedly hoped he would move out as his behavior worsened, but their support never wavered.
For Barry Markowitz, the sudden loss of his friends is a painful reality he’s still grappling with. “I can’t believe they’re not here,” he said.
“Four, five days after seeing them… I’m in this nightmare.”
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