The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has officially determined that acclaimed film director Rob Reiner and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, died as a result of homicide.
Official Cause of Death Released
The report, published on the Medical Examiner's website, lists the cause for both individuals as "multiple sharp force injuries". The manner of death is formally classified as homicide. The date of the tragedy is confirmed as Sunday, 14 December.
The couple's bodies were discovered at their home in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles after their daughter, Romy, went to check on them. Their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested later that same day.
Son Charged and Appears in Court
Nick Reiner now faces two counts of first-degree murder, with a special circumstance allegation for the use of a dangerous weapon—identified in charging documents as a knife.
He made his first court appearance on Wednesday, 17 December. Reporters noted he was largely hidden from view and appeared to be shackled, wearing a blue protective vest typically used for suicide prevention. During the brief hearing, he spoke only once, affirming to the judge that he understood his right to a speedy trial. A plea was not entered.
Nick Reiner is scheduled to return to court for an arraignment hearing on 7 January.
Family and Industry Mourn Profound Loss
In a heartfelt statement to People magazine, the Reiners' children, Romy and Jake, expressed their devastation. "Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day," they said. "The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren't just our parents; they were our best friends."
Tributes have also poured in from the entertainment world. Meg Ryan, who starred in Reiner's iconic romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, posted: "Thank you for your faith in the best in people, and for your profound love of our country."
The release of Rob Reiner's final project, a concert film featuring the fictional band Spinal Tap performing at Stonehenge, has been postponed in the wake of the tragedy.
