> At a Glance
> – Rob and Michele Reiner attended Lyrics From Lockdown on Dec. 12, less than 36 hours before they were killed
> – The show dramatizes Nanon Williams, jailed 34 years for a murder he denies
> – Their son Nick Reiner has been charged with two counts of murder
> – Why it matters: The couple’s final act was supporting a man they considered family, spotlighting flaws in the justice system
The Reiners’ last public outing was a Friday-night stage show about a Texas prisoner who had become “like family.” Two days later, the couple was dead, and their own son stands accused of the crime.
A Final Night Supporting Nanon Williams
On Dec. 12, Rob and Michele Reiner joined Billy Crystal, Janice Crystal, and their daughter Romy at Lyrics From Lockdown in Los Angeles. The one-man show-created with poet Bryn Bonn-tracks Nanon Williams‘ path from death row at 17 to life without parole.
After the curtain, advocates huddled by the stage to review the latest filings in Williams’ appeal. Michele’s last email to him, sent 8:26 p.m. EST on Dec. 13, called the night “amazing” and ended: “Love you, Michele.”
From Audience to Advocates
The Reiners first saw the play in 2016 and quickly turned advocacy into routine:
- Daily emails with Williams
- Offered him a room in their home if released
- Rob signed on as executive producer, bankrolling national tours
Williams, now 51, told News Of Los Angeles: “They became a part of me.” Romy added he “became like family.”
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1992 | Adonius Collier shot; Williams, 17, arrested |
| 1995 | Williams sentenced to death |
| 2005 | Sentence reduced to life without parole |
| 2016 | Reiners see Lyrics; outreach begins |
| Dec. 12, 2024 | Reiners attend final performance |
| Dec. 14, 2024 | Couple found dead; Nick Reiner arrested |
A Son Charged and a Promise Kept
Los Angeles County D.A. Nathan Hochman says Nick Reiner, 33, fatally stabbed his parents. He faces two counts of murder with special-circumstance allegations.
From his Texas prison cell, Williams learned the news on a state-issued tablet. “Please tell me the news is lying,” he messaged Michele. He still hopes to honor their memory: “If I ever get out… how could I not try to help [Nick]?”
Key Takeaways
- The Reiners’ final act was championing a prisoner they believed was wrongfully convicted
- Williams maintains innocence; a 2021 state judge recommended a new trial, later rejected
- Their advocacy turned a stage drama into a national campaign for criminal-justice reform
- Even after their deaths, Williams feels “a responsibility” to help the son accused of killing them
