The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner released its initial findings on Dec. 17, listing “multiple sharp force injuries” as the cause of death for director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, aligning with police reports of stab wounds.

The office said more investigation is needed before further details will be revealed, but the bodies can now be released to the family.

Nick Reiner has been charged with the deaths of his father, 78, and his mother, 70.

Nick Reiner appeared shackled and in a blue suicide prevention smock during a brief hearing on Dec. 17 in Los Angeles, at which his arraignment on two counts of first-degree murder was postponed until Jan. 7 at his attorney’s request. He spoke only to agree to the date, stating, “Yes, your honor.” He remains held without bail.

Authorities allege that the couple was murdered by their son in the early morning of Dec. 14 at their Brentwood residence, with their bodies found later that afternoon.

Nick Reiner’s siblings, older brother Jake Reiner and younger sister Romy Reiner, issued their first public statement through a spokesperson after their brother’s appearance.

“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,” they said in the statement. “The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”

They also expressed gratitude for the condolences they have received.

“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,” they said through their spokesperson.

Defense Seeks Restraint

Defense attorney Alan Jackson, after the hearing, described the murders as “a devastating tragedy that has befallen the Reiner family.”

He underscored the complexity of the case and cautioned against a “rush to judgment, not with jumping to conclusions.”

Jackson, a high-profile lawyer who has represented Harvey Weinstein, Karen Read, and Kevin Spacey, declined to comment on his client’s guilt or innocence.

Hours after the discovery of his parents’ bodies, Reiner was arrested without incident about 14 miles away in Exposition Park near the University of Southern California.

The charges entail special circumstances for multiple murders and the use of a deadly weapon—a knife—which could lead to a harsher punishment. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said on Dec. 16 that his office remains undecided as to whether or not it will seek the death penalty.

“This will proceed along the tracks that many of the first-degree murder cases proceed,” Hochman said after Nick Reiner had been taken into custody. “Do I anticipate it being particularly fast? No. I anticipate it being very thorough.”

Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian, who has prosecuted cases such as the Menendez brothers’ resentencing, will handle the case.

Authorities have provided little information on motive or evidence. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell credited “good, solid police work” for the arrest, but said he did not provide specifics to avoid undermining the investigation.

Struggles With Addiction

The family had previously been open about Nick Reiner’s struggles with drug addiction. Rob Reiner recalled in 2015 not listening to his son’s concerns during treatment: “When Nick would tell us that it wasn’t working for him, we wouldn’t listen. We were desperate and because the people had diplomas on their wall, we listened to them when we should have been listening to our son.”

Michele Reiner added, “We were so influenced by these people. They would tell us he’s a liar, that he was trying to manipulate us. And we believed them.”

Hollywood Pays Tribute

Rob Reiner was an Emmy-winning actor and director known for films such as “The Princess Bride” and “When Harry Met Sally,” while his wife was a photographer and film producer.

Celebrity tributes have poured in from Hollywood.

Meg Ryan, star of “When Harry Met Sally,” posted a tribute on Instagram.

“Thank you, Rob and Michelle, for the way you believe in true love, in fairy tales, and in laughter. Thank you for your faith in the best in people, and for your profound love of our country. I have to believe that their story will not end with this impossible tragedy.”

Billy Crystal and others, including Albert Brooks, Martin Short, and Larry David, also offered tributes to the Hollywood couple, as did California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife.

“Jen [Newsom] and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner,” Newsom said. “Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.