The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has officially confirmed the cause of death for legendary Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. The couple died from 'multiple sharp force injuries', according to newly released records, with the manner of death ruled a homicide.
Son Charged in Brentwood Double Homicide
Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of the filmmaker, has been formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The charges follow the grim discovery of Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, with apparent stab wounds in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on Sunday.
The medical examiner's office stated that while more investigation is required before full details are made public, both bodies have been released to the family. Nick Reiner's case is scheduled for an arraignment on January 7.
Court Appearances and Family Anguish
Nick Reiner appeared in court on Wednesday, reportedly wearing a suicide prevention vest. He spoke only to agree to his arraignment date. His initial court appearance on Tuesday was postponed due to unspecified health reasons, according to his lawyer, Alan Jackson.
In a heartbreaking statement, Nick's siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, pleaded for privacy. "Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day," they said. They described their parents as their "best friends" and thanked the public for an outpouring of support.
Nick's defence lawyer, Alan Jackson, who has represented high-profile clients including Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, urged the public outside court to avoid a rush to judgment, calling the circumstances "complex". Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed no decision has been made on whether to seek the death penalty.
A Hollywood Legacy and Personal Struggles
Rob Reiner was an iconic director behind classic films such as This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, and A Few Good Men. Nick had collaborated with his father on the 2016 film Being Charlie, a project loosely inspired by Nick's own battles with addiction and rehab stays during his teenage years.
Tributes have flooded in from across the entertainment world and beyond. Meg Ryan, star of When Harry Met Sally, called the deaths an "impossible tragedy". A group of friends including Billy Crystal, Martin Short, and Larry David released a statement praising the couple as a "special force together". Other notable tributes came from former President Barack Obama and Sir Elton John.
The case has also drawn political commentary, with former US President Donald Trump facing backlash for a social media post linking the tragedy to what he termed "Trump Derangement Syndrome".
