The official cause of death for Rob and Michele Reiner has been released. The director and his wife died of “multiple blunt force trauma,” the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed. The manner of death for both Rob and Michele was ruled a homicide.
The news came just hours after their son, Nick, made his first court appearance since his parents' deaths. Nick's attorney, Alan Jackson, told reporters outside Los Angeles Municipal Court on Wednesday that a preliminary hearing has been set for Jan. 7, 2026.
According to previous reports, Rob, 78, and Michele, 70, were found stabbed to death in their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, on Sunday. Later that evening, Nick was arrested on murder charges following the tragic deaths of his parents. Nick, 32, was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said the "opinion and wishes of the family" regarding the death penalty will be taken into account if Nick is found guilty.
Sources told The Post that the couple's bodies were discovered in their mansion by their daughter, Romy Reiner. They were found with stab wounds to the throats, as well as multiple stab wounds to the bodies.
According to TMZ, the acclaimed “This Is Spinal Tap” director and his wife were dead for hours before their daughter found their bodies. Nick, who has struggled with drug addiction for years, had a major argument with his parents on Saturday, a source told The Post.
The couple's other children, Romy and Jake, issued a statement on Wednesday about the family tragedy.
"Words cannot describe the incredible pain we are experiencing every moment of every day. The terrible and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something no one should have to experience," they said.
They finished the statement without mentioning Nick.
Rob and Michele married in 1989 after meeting on the set of “When Harry Met Sally.” Rob also has an adopted daughter, Tracy, from his previous marriage to Penny Marshall.
