Rob Reiner, wife Michele's deaths ruled homicides
What's the story
Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his photographer wife Michele were killed by "multiple sharp force injuries," the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has revealed. The manner of death for both was classified as homicide, reported Page Six. The news comes just hours after their son Nick's first court appearance following his parents' tragic demise. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances of multiple murders.
Legal proceedings
Nick's arraignment set for January 2026
Nick's lawyer, Alan Jackson, announced that an arraignment is scheduled for January 7, 2026. At an arraignment, charges are formally read in front of the accused. He emphasized the need to handle "very complex and serious issues" in this case with care. "We ask that during this process, you allow the system to move forward in the way that it was designed to move forward," he added.
Serious allegations
Nick's charges carry life imprisonment or death penalty
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed that Nick faces two counts of first-degree murder with a special circumstance of multiple murders. He also has a special allegation for personally using a dangerous weapon, a knife. These charges could lead to life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. "No decision, at this point, has been made with respect to the death penalty."
Discovery of bodies
Reiners's bodies discovered by daughter Romy
The bodies of Reiner, 78, and Michele, 70, were found in their Brentwood home by their daughter Romy. They had been dead for hours before Romy discovered them, according to TMZ. The couple's children, Romy and Jake, released a statement on the family tragedy on Wednesday. "Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day," they said.
Family struggles
Nick's history of drug addiction and erratic behavior
Nick, 32, has a long-standing battle with drug addiction. A family friend told The Post that he had a massive argument with his parents at Conan O'Brien's Christmas party the night before their bodies were discovered. He also allegedly interrupted Bill Hader during a private conversation and behaved erratically at the star-studded event, reported NBC News.