Authorities have confirmed that acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner died from multiple sharp force injuries and that their deaths have been officially classified as homicides, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office and prosecutors. The couple were found dead on Sunday afternoon in their upscale Brentwood home, and their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the incident.
Emergency responders, including the Los Angeles Fire Department, were dispatched to the Reiners’ residence on the afternoon of December 14 following a request for a wellness check. Upon entering the home, first responders discovered the lifeless bodies of the couple. Law enforcement was immediately called in, and the case was treated as a possible homicide. The bodies were later identified as those of Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, a photographer and producer. The family’s daughter, Romy Reiner, is reported to have discovered the scene and alerted authorities.
On December 17, 2025, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office publicly released the official cause of death for both Rob and Michele Singer Reiner. In its findings, the examiner concluded that both victims died from multiple sharp force injuries, indicating they sustained several wounds inflicted by a sharp object. The manner of death for both was determined to be homicide, meaning the deaths were caused by another person. Authorities also noted that the investigation remains ongoing, with forensic teams continuing to piece together the events leading up to the couple’s deaths.
Following the discovery of the bodies, Nick Reiner, the couple’s son, was arrested later the same day near the University of Southern California. He was taken into custody without incident and initially held on suspicion of murder. On December 16, 2025, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office formally charged Nick Reiner with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his parents.
The charges include special circumstances, such as the commission of multiple murders and the use of a deadly weapon, which could lead to a harsher sentence if he is convicted. Prosecutors have indicated that the weapon used was a knife, and that the alleged killings occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, before the bodies were found later that afternoon.
Nick Reiner appeared in court on December 17, 2025, but did not enter a plea. His formal arraignment has been scheduled for January 7, 2026, after his attorney requested a postponement. He was reportedly wearing a protective vest and was held without bail at a county facility. The charges he faces reflect serious allegations, including the use of a deadly weapon and the commission of multiple murders. If convicted under special circumstance enhancements, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or, depending on prosecutorial decisions and legal context, eligibility for the death penalty.
Rob Reiner was a legendary figure in Hollywood, with a career spanning decades as a director, producer, and actor. His work included some of the most iconic films of the past half-century, such as This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men. He was also widely known for his political activism and support of liberal causes.
Michele Singer Reiner was an accomplished photographer and producer who was active in advocacy, including support for LGBTQ+ rights and other social causes. The couple had been married since 1989 and were regarded as a close and supportive family unit. Prior to the discovery of their bodies, the Reiners reportedly attended a holiday event the evening before, and tension between family members was noted at that gathering. Investigators have pointed to a loud argument between Rob Reiner and his son during the event the night before the deaths, which may be relevant to the case.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division is leading the inquiry, and detectives have indicated that they are continuing to examine forensic evidence, interview potential witnesses, and review timelines leading up to the couple’s deaths. Officials have not publicly disclosed all details of the investigation, and many aspects remain under seal as part of the ongoing case. Law enforcement sources stress that the official cause of death and the arrest and charging of their son represent key developments in the complex criminal investigation.
The confirmed cause of death for Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner is multiple sharp force injuries, and their deaths are classified as homicides by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is awaiting further court proceedings in early 2026. The case continues to draw significant attention due to the prominence of the victims and the tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths.
