The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has released the cause of death for film director Rob Reiner and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, as “multiple sharp force injuries”, with the manner of death ruled a homicide. The date of death is listed as Sunday 14 December.
The Reiners' bodies were discovered on Sunday at their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, by their daughter Romy. Their son Nick was arrested later that day and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and use of a dangerous weapon, a knife.
Nick Reiner appeared in court on Wednesday but did not enter a plea. He was reportedly shackled and wearing a suicide prevention vest, speaking only once to confirm his understanding of his right to a speedy trial. He is due back in court for an arraignment hearing on 7 January.
Tributes have poured in from the entertainment industry, with Meg Ryan, star of Reiner's film When Harry Met Sally, thanking him for his faith in people and love for the country. The Reiners' children, Romy and Jake, released a statement describing the loss as “horrific and devastating”.
The release of Reiner's final film, a Spinal Tap concert movie filmed at Stonehenge, has been delayed.
