Following the tragic arrest of Nick Reiner in connection with the murder of his parents, his siblings, Romy and Jake, have issued a deeply emotional statement.
Renowned Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found stabbed to death sometime between Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Their daughter Romy discovered the horrific scene upon visiting their Los Angeles residence.
Nick, the couple’s youngest child at 32, who has struggled with drug addiction and mental health challenges, has been taken into custody and faces charges of first-degree murder for both deaths.
Today, Romy, 27, and her older brother Jake, 34, have publicly addressed the unspeakable tragedy that unfolded over the weekend.
In their statement, the heartbroken siblings express, “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day.”
They continue, “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. We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life.’
The pair asked people for ‘respect and privacy’ and urged the public to treat any speculation with ‘compassion and humanity’.
Jake and Romy said they wanted their father, a legend in Hollywood, and acclaimed photographer mother, to be remembered for the ‘incredible lives they lived and the love’ they gave.
Rob Reiner (left) pictured with his wife Michele Singer Reiner, daughter Romy, son Nick, daughter-in-law Maria Gilfillan and son Jake Reiner in September
Nick Reiner, pictured in September, was said to be ‘acting crazy’ at a party with his parents where he was bothering celebrity guests and ended up in a row with his mother and father
Reiner and his wife, a photographer, were first introduced on the set of When Harry Met Sally and married a few months later. They had three children, Nick (not pictured), Jake (left) and Romy (second to left). Romy lives with her children in a house across the street from her parents; pictured together in January 2024 in LA
Nick Reiner is seen in shackles and an anti-suicide vest as he appears for his arraignment in LA today
Actor and director Reiner, 78, and his wife, 70, were found slain on Sunday afternoon, at which time they had likely been dead for hours, police sources said.
A source close to the investigation told the Daily Mail that they had their throats slashed and were killed in their bed.
They were found after their daughter Romy was called over by a massage therapist who had arrived at the residence for a 2pm appointment.
The masseuse was unable to get inside and called Romy, who lives across the street with a roommate, for help.
Romy opened the door and discovered the gruesome scene of her father’s lifeless body before fleeing from the home. She was so distressed that she did not notice her mother’s slain body was also in the house.
Her roommate called 911 while Romy reached out to her father’s longtime friend Billy Crystal.
Romy only learned that her mother Michele Singer Reiner was also dead when paramedics arrived and broke the grim news, according to The New York Times.
Her older brother Nick was arrested in connection with the murders later that day. He has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, and if convicted, could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty.
Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead at their $13.5million six-bed Brentwood home (pictured)
Left to right: Jake Reiner, Nick Reiner, Romy Reiner, Michele Singer Reiner and Rob Reiner pictured together last year
The statement from Romy and Jake comes after their father’s close friend Billy Crystal also broke his silence to pay tribute to the late director.
The actor, who famously worked with Reiner on When Harry Met Sally, joined friends and colleagues including Larry David, Martin Short and director Barry Levinson, among others, in praising him as ‘a great comic actor’ and ‘a master storyteller’.
‘There is no other director who has his range,’ the joint statement said. It paid homage to Reiner’s incredible film career as well as to his ‘special’ 36-year marriage to ‘perfect partner’ Michele.
