Nanon Williams, a former death row inmate, reportedly received a message from Michelle Reiner, Rob Reiner’s wife, just hours before their tragic deaths.
Williams has spent much of his life—since he was 17—behind bars for a murder he insists he didn’t commit. His poetry, crafted during his imprisonment, touched the hearts of the Reiners, eventually inspiring Bryon Bain’s spoken word performance, “Lyrics from Lockdown.” Michelle and Rob first encountered Bain’s performance in 2016 and subsequently reached out to Williams via him.
Through frequent emails and phone conversations, Williams formed a supportive friendship with the Reiners, which Romy, their daughter, described as familial. In a poignant moment, Williams noted that he received an email from Michelle, timestamped 8:26 p.m. on December 13, shortly before she and Rob were murdered. Unfortunately, due to prison regulations, he received that email along with two others posthumously.
Just under 36 hours before their deaths, Rob and Michelle attended “Lyrics from Lockdown,” accompanied by Billy Crystal, at a Los Angeles theater.
The last email Michelle sent Williams touched on “The Ugly Side of Beautiful Things.” She mentioned earlier communication with his spouse, Terra, and expressed hope for Williams’ case—writing that they couldn’t wait to share the performance with him.
On December 14, Williams learned of the couple’s deaths via a state-issued tablet and immediately messaged Michelle, pleading, “Please, that is not true. Please tell me the news is false.” In an interview, Williams reflected on their profound impact on his life, stating they had become an integral part of who he is.
Reports indicate that a formal complaint regarding Williams’ case was filed in 2024 by the Colorado School of Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic. This led the Texas Forensic Science Board to affirm that the ballistics evidence used in his conviction was flawed. While Williams’ defense team sought a new trial, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office countered, asserting confidence in the original conviction.
The Reiners, alongside Romy, had penned letters supporting Williams while he was incarcerated. Michelle described him as the most intuitive person she’d ever met, indicating that their relationship offered her as much—or perhaps more—than she had given.
In one letter addressed to prosecutors, Rob emphasized that despite his extensive experience with notable figures, no one had left a mark on him like Williams did. They even extended an invitation for Williams to live with them if he were to be released—an offer made public as supporters rallied for his acquittal following the performance he attended the final Friday of his life.
Rob Reiner was also appointed executive producer of “Lyrics from Lockdown,” which has been showcased at various prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.
Williams grew up in a challenging environment in Los Angeles, with family members facing incarceration as well. After a trauma that included his father’s murder, he ended up living with relatives and, at one point, got involved in drug dealing as a teen.
He was convicted of killing a 19-year-old during a park shooting in Houston, Texas. Although he admitted to firing the weapon, he maintained that he did not kill the teenager. Over time, doubts arose about the evidence against him, particularly after an analyst acknowledged misidentifying the source of the bullets.
By 2013, Williams found himself on death row.
Rob and Michelle Reiner were discovered dead in their home on December 14. Reports suggest that their son, Nick, is in custody facing charges of first-degree murder.
