The death certificates of slain Hollywood couple Rob and Michele Reiner were released Tuesday (Dec 23) following the pair’s cremation.
The Reiners were cremated at Mount Sinai Mortuary, Los Angeles, according to documents obtained by TMZ. Their cause of death is listed as “multiple sharp force injuries,” described as having occurred “with knife, by another.”
Their 32-year old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested after his parents’ bodies were discovered in their Los Angeles home on Dec 14. The suspect has a long history of substance abuse and mental illness, and was being treated for schizophrenia, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Legal experts believe the defendant could enter an insanity plea, but former California prosecutor Matt Murphy recently told NPR that’s a tough defense to prove, particularly if drugs figured into the equation.
Nick was reportedly prescribed with a new medication for schizophrenia in the weeks leading up to his parents’ deaths. TMZ sources said that change caused his behaviour to become “erratic and dangerous.”
The Reiners’ other children, Jake and Romy Reiner, told People on Monday that they were grateful for the support they’ve received since their parents were killed and that information about a memorial service would come “at a later date.”
Friends and family reportedly attended an informal gathering at the home of comedic actor Albert Brooks last week.
The Reiners were found dead the day after they attended a party at comedian Conan O’Brien’s Southern California home, at which Nick was also in attendance.
Political figures, including former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, joined creative types including actor Meg Ryan and musician Harry Connick Jr in honouring the entertainment world royals.
Nick has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with a special allegation that he used a dangerous weapon to carry out the slayings. If convicted, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death sentence. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service
