Film director Rob Reiner, wife found dead in apparent homicide in Los Angeles VIDEO

US film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner have died in an apparent homicide at their home in Los Angeles, authorities said. Reiner was 78, and his wife was 68.

The bodies were discovered on December 14 afternoon inside a residence owned by Reiner in the Brentwood neighbourhood. A spokesperson for the Reiner family confirmed the deaths later that evening, Caliber.Az reports via The Guardian.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” the spokesperson said. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss and ask for privacy during this extremely difficult time.”

The Los Angeles Police Department’s robbery-homicide division is investigating the case as an “apparent homicide,” LAPD Captain Mike Bland said. While the official cause of death has not yet been released, TMZ and People reported that the victims had injuries consistent with a knife attack.

An official with the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that emergency crews responded to a medical aid request at the property when the bodies were found.

Rob Reiner was one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers, directing acclaimed films such as This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men. He began his career as an actor, gaining fame as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the sitcom All in the Family, a role that earned him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Reiner, the son of legendary entertainer Carl Reiner, made his directorial debut with This Is Spinal Tap in 1984 and went on to direct a series of box-office and critical successes. Over his career, he received multiple nominations from the Golden Globes and the Directors Guild of America.

He had been married to photographer Michele Singer Reiner since 1989.

The investigation into their deaths is ongoing.

By Khagan Isayev