As the investigation into the alleged murders of film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle Singer Reiner continues, the final completed death certificate provides insight into Los Angeles County authorities’ findings.
First responders determined the time of death for the 78-year-old Reiner as Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3:45 p.m., according to a copy of the Reiners’ death certificates obtained by USA TODAY on Dec. 23. Meanwhile, the producer’s wife (70 years old) was pronounced dead at 3:46 p.m.
Reiner’s marital status at the time of his death is listed as “married,” but his wife’s death certificate lists him as “widow.”
Their son Jake was named as the informant in their deaths. The couple was cremated on December 19th.
Death certificates found that Reiner and his wife both died of “multiple sharp force injuries” at their California home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, where they were both charged with murder, as previously revealed by preliminary findings from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
Both underwent autopsies.
Rob Reiner’s wife Michelle’s death certificate details her tragic final moments
The county’s deputy medical examiner reported that Reiner and Singer Reiner died within minutes of their knife injuries, but the date and time of the fatal injuries in their home is listed as “unknown.”
Law enforcement and prosecutors said the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, used a knife to stab his parents to death “nearly in the early morning hours.” The couple was found in the master bedroom of their home, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Nick Reiner remains in jail without bail after being arrested on December 14 on suspicion of first-degree murder. He is scheduled to be arraigned on January 7th.
What do Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner’s children say?
The Reiners’ children, Jake and Romy Reiner, said a memorial service for their parents will be held at a later date. Earlier, in his first public statement on December 17, he spoke of the “unimaginable pain” caused by the death of his parents.
According to TMZ and People, they said, “Words can’t even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of every day.” “The horrifying and devastating loss of our parents, Rob Reiner and Michelle Reiner, is something no one should ever have to experience. They were more than just our parents, they were our best friends.”
“We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received from family and friends, as well as people from all walks of life,” the statement continued. “We are now asking 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.”
Rob Reiner is also survived by Tracy Reiner, a daughter from ex-wife Penny Marshall, whom Rob Reiner adopted.
Hollywood mourned the deaths of Rob Reiner and Michelle Reiner
Mr. Reiner has been widely remembered across Hollywood for his personal kindness, political advocacy, and influential work as a director.
In particular, from 1986 to 1992, Reiner continued his meteoric rise, directing five films that are now considered all-time classics (Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men).
Mr. Reiner also directed films such as “The American President” and “This Is Spinal Tap.” The latter was a mockumentary about a fictional rock band and was Reiner’s first directorial role after he was known as an actor. The long-awaited sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continue, was released in 2025 and was the last film Reiner released before his death.
Hollywood stars including Billy Crystal, Larry David and Martin Short paid heartfelt tributes to the couple two days after their deaths.
“By absorbing everything he learned from his father Karl and mentor Norman Lear, Rob Reiner became not only a great comedian, but a master storyteller,” the Dec. 16 statement said. “No other director has the range he has. From comedies to dramas to mockumentaries to documentaries, he was always at the top. He captivated audiences. Audiences believed in him. They lined up to see his films.”
The statement further said, “His greatest gift was freedom.”
Contributed by: Anthony Robredo, Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY
