Creative CommonsAs the world mourns the loss of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has revealed the cause of death in a new report.
On Sunday (December 14), Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived at the couple’s home on the 200 block of South Chadbourne Avenue, where the Reiners were found dead in an “apparent homicide”.
Michele and Rob’s son, Nick Reiner, was arrested soon after, with the LA District Attorney’s Office announcing on Tuesday (December 16) that the 32-year-old had been charged with two counts of murder.
As the case unfolds, tributes from friends, fans, and loved ones continue rolling in for Michele, 68, alongside Rob, 78, who directed countless classics such as This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men.
Rob Reiner cause of death
Creative CommonsFollowing initial investigations, the LA County Medical Examiner has revealed that the cause of death of both Rob and Michele Singer Reiner was “multiple sharp force injuries,” and that the manner of death was “homicide.”
The date of death, which had sparked some speculation, is listed as December 14, 2025. This follows the news that Nick Reiner is facing multiple charges, including two counts of murder and a special allegation that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon, in this case a knife.
The couple were found dead in their home on Sunday after their daughter, Romy Reiner, had gone to check on them. A source close to the family told the New York Times that a massage therapist first raised the alarm on Sunday after being unable to access the home for an appointment.
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They then rang Romy, who arrived with a roommate and entered the property to find her father’s body. Multiple sources spoke about the night before the incident, when Nick reportedly attended a party with his parents at comedian Conan O’Brien’s house.
Nick has previously been open about his struggles with addiction, even using his experiences to inspire the script of his semi-biographical 2015 movie Being Charlie, which Rob directed.
According to the insiders, Rob and Nick got into an argument at the party, although the NYT source suggested that the intensity of the situation may have been “misinterpreted” and that Romy did not initially suspect her brother.
Nick Reiner seen in “suicide prevention vest”
Creative CommonsNick Reiner made his first court appearance on Wednesday (December 17), with the BBC reporting that it looked as if he was shackled and wearing a suicide prevention vest.
As stated by police supplies company PSP Corp, “Anti-suicide smocks… are a collarless and sleeveless gown with adjustable openings at the shoulders and down the front which are closed with nylon hooks and loops or similar fasteners.
“The thickness of the garment makes it impossible to roll or fold the material into a noose. These smocks provide warmth without impeding the mobility of the person wearing it.”
Nick reportedly waived his right to enter a plea at his arraignment hearing, giving the defense more time to review the evidence. His lawyer, Alan Jackson, explained that the hearing scheduled for the day prior had to be delayed as Nick was not medically cleared to appear.
Jackson also said that there were “complex and serious issues” involved and asked people not to “rush to judgement”.
After waiving his right to enter a plea, Nick is due back in court for a further arraignment hearing on January 7, 2026. It remains unclear whether he will formally enter a plea at that time or beforehand.
Should Reiner plead not guilty, the case would then move toward a full trial. Until his next court appearance, he will remain in custody at LA’s Twin Towers Correctional Facility.
If convicted, Reiner could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Prosecutors have stated that a decision has not yet been made on whether they will seek capital punishment.
Rob and Michele Reiner’s children break silence
Jake and Romy Reiner, two of Rob and Michele’s other children, have broken their silence in a statement shared with the media, describing how they are in “unimaginable pain” over the loss of their parents.
Rob and Michele met on the set of When Harry Met Sally and got married in 1989. They went on to have three children together: Jake, Romy, and Nick.
Rob is also survived by his daughter Tracy Reiner, who he adopted during his first marriage to actress Penny Marshall. None of the Reiner children have spoken about Nick’s arrest.
Jake, 34, and Romy, 28, said in a joint statement: “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day.
Columbia Pictures“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.”
Tracy separately told NBC News, “I came from the greatest family ever. I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”