Shocking: Nick Reiner claims to police that his father’s rival in Hollywood brought a box of fruit to their house, and that Rob Reiner and his wife died shortly after eating it.

Police revealed moments ago that Nick R. has given investigators a startling new account, claiming his parents’ deaths may have been triggered by a box of fruit delivered to their home by his father’s Hollywood rival—and that both parents became seriously ill shortly after consuming it.

The allegation has prompted authorities to urgently expand the investigation into possible third-party poisoning.

“They Ate the Fruit That Night”

According to sources familiar with Nick’s statement, he told detectives that the fruit was delivered as a “gesture of reconciliation” following a long-standing professional feud involving his father.

“He said it looked harmless,” an investigative source said. “A gift box. No note. No return address.”

Nick claims his parents ate the fruit the same evening—and within hours, both began experiencing severe symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

Medical records later showed a rapid decline that, at the time, doctors struggled to explain.

Why Investigators Are Taking This Seriously

Authorities say Nick’s claim aligns with recent toxicology findings indicating long-standing toxins in both parents’ bodies—substances that could be introduced orally and accumulate over time.

Investigators are now:

  • Attempting to locate the delivery service or courier

  • Reviewing security footage for the delivery window

  • Testing residue recovered from kitchen waste and containers

“Food-borne delivery is one of the hardest poisoning methods to detect early,” a forensic toxicologist said. “Especially if the doses are low and repeated.”

The Hollywood Rival Angle

Police would not name the alleged rival but confirmed the individual is well-known, well-connected, and previously involved in a bitter dispute with the father.

Authorities stressed that no accusation has been proven, and the claim is being treated as an allegation requiring independent verification.

“At this stage, it’s a lead—not a conclusion,” a senior official said.

A Pattern, Not a Single Act?

Investigators are examining whether the fruit delivery was:

  • A one-time trigger, or

  • Part of a longer poisoning pattern masked as hospitality or gifts

They are also reviewing whether similar deliveries occurred previously.

What Comes Next

The case has now entered a multi-agency phase, with food-safety experts and federal laboratories assisting in compound identification and source tracing.

Police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and cautioned against speculation.

“If this claim holds,” an investigator said, “then this wasn’t a family tragedy—it was something far darker.”

Further updates are expected as forensic testing and delivery-record reviews continue.