Rob Reiner's Son, Nick Reiner, Arraigned on Murder Charges; Medical Examiner Reports Cause of Death

Nick Reiner, 32, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday to face two first-degree murder charges in connection with the deaths of his parents, actor-director Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70. He did not enter a plea, and his arraignment was postponed until January 7 at the request of his attorney. Reiner is being held without bail.

The couple's other children, Jake and Romy Reiner, released a statement expressing their profound grief over the loss of their parents, whom they described as their best friends.

Also on Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner released its initial findings, stating that the primary cause of death for both Rob and Michele Reiner was "multiple sharp force injuries." The office indicated that further investigation is needed but that the bodies can now be released to the family. Police reports indicated the couple suffered stab wounds. The District Attorney's Office stated that the Reiners were killed in the early morning hours of the previous Sunday and found dead in their Brentwood home late that afternoon.

Alan Jackson, Nick Reiner's attorney, described the case as a "devastating tragedy" for the Reiner family. He urged caution and asked that people avoid rushing to judgment. Jackson, who has previously represented Harvey Weinstein and Karen Read, did not comment on his client's guilt or innocence. Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian, who has worked on cases such as the Menendez brothers' resentencing attempt and the Robert Durst trial, is on the prosecution side.

District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty, given the special circumstances of multiple murders and the alleged use of a knife. Nick Reiner was arrested in the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California, about 14 miles from the crime scene. He did not resist arrest, according to police.

Following the Reiners' deaths, friends and colleagues shared tributes. Meg Ryan, who starred in Rob Reiner's "When Harry Met Sally...," posted on Instagram, thanking the Reiners for their belief in love and laughter. Billy Crystal, a longtime friend of Rob Reiner, joined Albert Brooks, Martin Short, and Larry David in a statement mourning the couple, describing them as a "special force" and saying they would be missed forever. Rob Reiner also has a daughter, Tracy Reiner, from his previous marriage to Penny Marshall.