Filmmaking couple Rob and Michele Reiner died of “multiple sharp force injuries,” according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office, which has ruled their deaths a homicide. Photo: TNS
Filmmaking couple Rob and Michele Reiner died of “multiple sharp force injuries,” according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office, which has ruled their deaths a homicide.
The official determination comes three days after the Princess Bride director and his wife were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on Sunday (Dec 14) afternoon.
Authorities have since charged the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with his parents’ deaths.
Two special circumstances – one for multiple murders, and a special allegation that he used a dangerous weapon, in this case a knife – could lengthen his sentence if he’s convicted.
Los Angeles prosecutors are also considering whether to pursue the death penalty, but have said they’d take the “thoughts and desires of the family into consideration” before making an official decision.
Nick Reiner made a brief court appearance Wednesday, wearing a blue anti-suicide smock and shackles. He addressed the judge for the first time since his arrest, agreeing to postpone his arraignment with a simple “Yes, your honour.”
Reiner’s attorney, Alan Jackson, who requested the postponement, said it was “too early” for his client to make a plea, according to TMZ. His arraignment was scheduled for Jan 7.
Nick Reiner, wearing a blue protective vest, makes his first court appearance on murder charges for the killing of his parents Rob and Michele Reiner, at LA Superior Court in Los Angeles, California, US, Dec 17, 2025 in this courtroom sketch. Photo: Reuters
Earlier this week, sources told TMZ that Nick and Rob argued at a holiday party at Conan O’Brien’s home the night before the murders. The couple had reportedly been grappling with Nick’s ongoing mental illness and substance abuse issues, saying they’d “tried everything... but his struggles are so deep.”
Jake and Romy Reiner, two of the late couple’s children, issued a statement Wednesday after their brother’s court appearance.
“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,” they said through a family spokesman. “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.”
They did not mention the alleged involvement of their middle brother.
The case remains under investigation by the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division. Nick Reiner remains in custody without bail. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service
