The Los Angeles County medical examiner has officially determined the cause of death for Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. The couple died from multiple sharp force injuries, with the manner of death classified as a homicide.
Charges and Court Appearance
The grim findings follow the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The bodies of Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, were discovered in their Brentwood, Los Angeles, home on Sunday with apparent stab wounds.
Nick Reiner appeared in court on Wednesday, reportedly wearing a suicide prevention vest. He spoke only to confirm the date of his arraignment, which is scheduled for 7 January. His lawyer, Alan Jackson, stated that Nick has not yet entered a plea.
A Family's Unimaginable Grief
In a statement released through a family spokesperson, Nick's siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, pleaded for privacy. They described the loss of their parents as "horrific and devastating" and called them their "best friends".
"Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day," the statement read. The family expressed gratitude for the widespread support received from the public and their personal network.
Hollywood Mourns and Legal Proceedings Continue
The medical examiner's office noted that while the initial findings are clear, more investigation is required before releasing further details. The bodies have been released to the family.
Nick's attorney, Alan Jackson, who has previously represented high-profile clients like Harvey Weinstein, cautioned the public against a rush to judgement. "The circumstances around the situation were complex," he stated outside the court.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed that a decision on whether to seek the death penalty in this case has not yet been made.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry and beyond. Meg Ryan, who starred in Reiner's classic When Harry Met Sally, called the deaths an "impossible tragedy" in an Instagram tribute.
A group of the Reiners' close friends, including Billy Crystal, Martin Short, and Larry David, released a joint statement praising the couple as "a special force together – dynamic, unselfish and inspiring." Other notable figures paying respects include former President Barack Obama and Sir Elton John.
Rob Reiner was the acclaimed director behind iconic films such as This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and A Few Good Men. Nick had previously collaborated with his father, co-writing the 2016 film Being Charlie, which was loosely based on his own struggles with addiction and rehab.
