The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed Rob and Michele Reiner’s bodies were returned to their family after autopsies. Both were found dead at their Brentwood home on Dec. 14 and sustained multiple sharp‑force injuries; examiners ruled the deaths homicides. Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, was charged on Dec. 16 with two counts of first‑degree murder and a special allegation of using a knife; his arraignment is set for Jan. 7, 2026. Siblings Jake and Romy have asked for privacy as the investigation continues.
Bodies of Rob and Michele Reiner Returned After Autopsies; Son Charged With First‑Degree Murder
Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, were found dead in their Brentwood home.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the bodies of Rob and Michele Reiner were returned to their family on Friday after autopsies were completed. The couple was found dead at their Brentwood home on Dec. 14.
Nick Reiner was charged with murder in the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner.
According to the medical examiner, both Rob and Michele sustained multiple sharp‑force injuries. The initial autopsy report noted that other significant conditions also contributed to their deaths. Medical examiners ruled both deaths homicides and listed Dec. 14 as the date of death.
Rob Reiner, Michele Reiner, Romy Reiner, Nick Reiner, Maria Gilfillan and Jake Reiner at the "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" premiere in September.
Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, was charged Dec. 16 with two counts of first‑degree murder. Prosecutors also allege a special circumstance that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon, identified as a knife. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the charges carry a potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty; no final decision has been made on seeking capital punishment.
Nick appeared in court for the first time after the charges were filed. Court reports said he sat behind glass wearing a suicide‑prevention vest and was restrained with hand and foot shackles during the hearing. His arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2026.
Family Statement
On Dec. 17, siblings Romy and Jake Reiner issued a statement to Fox News Digital asking for privacy and compassion as the family grieves. “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,” the statement said. “They weren't just our parents; they were our best friends. We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.”
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner and local law enforcement continue to work on the investigation. Fox News Digital’s Lauryn Overhultz contributed to reporting on this case.
