Official death certificates for Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, have disclosed harrowing new specifics about their violent deaths earlier this month. The documents confirm the couple sustained fatal wounds from a knife and died just minutes after the attack.
Timeline of a Tragedy
The 78-year-old Princess Bride filmmaker and his 70-year-old wife were discovered at their Brentwood, Los Angeles, residence on Sunday, December 14, 2025. According to the records obtained by People magazine, Rob Reiner was found first at approximately 3:45 pm. Michele Reiner, listed on her certificate as 'widowed,' was located just one minute later at 3:46 pm.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner had previously ruled both deaths as homicides caused by 'multiple sharp force injuries'. The newly released certificates add critical context, stating the injuries were inflicted 'with [a] knife, by another' and that the time between injury and death was a matter of 'minutes'.
A Son Charged and a Family in Mourning
The couple's 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with their deaths. Reports indicate Nick had a history of addiction and was receiving treatment for schizophrenia. He made his initial court appearance on Wednesday, December 17, and his arraignment is scheduled for January 7, 2026.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Reiners' other children, Romy and Jake, have released heartfelt statements. They described their parents as their 'best friends' and spoke of 'unimaginable pain'. A spokesperson for the siblings confirmed the couple has been cremated and that plans for a memorial service will be shared at a later date.
A Hollywood Legacy
Rob and Michele Reiner met on the set of the iconic film When Harry Met Sally and married in 1989, the same year the romantic comedy was released. They raised three children together: Jake, Nick, and Romy. Rob Reiner is also survived by his adoptive daughter, Tracy Reiner, from his previous relationship with actress Penny Marshall.
The brutal loss has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community and beyond, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the deaths of the beloved couple.
