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By Anna Commander and Joshua Rhett Miller
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Filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner's causes of death have been released days after their deaths, and as their son Nick Reiner was in court on Wednesday and charged with their killings.
Why It Matters
The deaths of Rob and Michele, a Hollywood couple renowned for their artistic contributions and activism, have prompted national attention.
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Their son Nick now faces two counts of first-degree murder, casting a spotlight on issues of family tragedy, mental health, and the criminal justice process. The case underscores the profound impact of violent crime within high-profile families and has prompted an outpouring of public grief and concern.
What To Know
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner officially reported that Rob, 78, and his wife, Michele, 70, died from "multiple sharp force injuries" on December 14, 2025. Their deaths have been ruled homicides, with their residence in Brentwood, Los Angeles, listed as the place of death.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, was arrested later that evening near the University of Southern California.
He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with special circumstances related to multiple murders and the use of a deadly weapon—allegedly a knife. Prosecutors allege Nick committed the killings with a knife, making him eligible for life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty if convicted.
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What People Are Saying
Tracy Reiner, Rob's 61-year-old adopted daughter from his marriage to late ex-wife Penny Marshall to NBC News: “I came from the greatest family ever,” Reiner said. "I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
Trump on Truth Social on Monday: "A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS. He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace!"
Chef Jose Andres on X on Tuesday: "Rob Reiner had the amazing ability to tell stories that resonated with all of us…stories that made us feel love and hope.…ones that make us feel human. He and Michele committed themselves to making their community - and our country- better. I will miss them dearly…we all will."
**Former President Barack Obama on X on Monday: "**Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them."
What Happens Next
Nick Reiner’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 7, 2026.
Update 12/17/25 6:10 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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