Death Certificates Reveal New Details in Rob and Michele Reiner Case
New details have emerged about the deaths of filmmakers Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
According to death certificates obtained by PEOPLE, the couple died within minutes of each other after suffering knife wounds at their Los Angeles home on December 14. Rob Reiner, the director of When Harry Met Sally, was found at 3:45 p.m., and Michele was discovered just one minute later. Both have since been cremated.
The certificates confirm that both died from “multiple sharp force injuries inflicted with [a] knife, by another.” The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner had previously listed their deaths as homicides.
The tragedy came to light on December 14 when their daughter, Romy Reiner, discovered her father at the family home in Brentwood. She alerted authorities, and officers found Michele Singer Reiner upon arriving. Hours later, their son Nick Reiner was arrested nearby in connection with their deaths.
On December 16, Nick Reiner was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, including special circumstances for multiple murders and use of a deadly weapon. He made his first court appearance on December 17, confirming he would waive his right to a speedy arraignment. His formal arraignment is scheduled for January 7. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
Recent reports indicate that Nick Reiner has been treated for schizophrenia. PEOPLE reported that he is on suicide watch, held in solitary confinement, and required to wear a suicide prevention smock at all times.
The couple’s children, Romy and their older brother Jake, issued a statement on December 17 mourning their parents. “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,” they said. “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.”
Tracy Reiner, Rob’s adopted daughter from his previous marriage to Penny Marshall, also spoke about the loss. “I came from the greatest family ever,” she told NBC News. “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
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