A week after the shocking deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner rocked their family and stunned Hollywood, two of their children are speaking publicly for the first time, asking for compassion as they grieve an unimaginable loss.
According to Fox News, Romy and Jake Reiner issued a statement through a spokesperson to People magazine, expressing gratitude for the support that has poured in since the tragedy unfolded.
“Jake and Romy Reiner remain grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received,” the spokesperson said. “They will share information about a memorial service honoring their parents at a later date.”
In a separate message shared last week, the siblings described the devastation they are still struggling to process.
“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,” they said. “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.”
The statement went on to thank those who have reached out in the days since their parents’ deaths.
“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,” they added. “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.”
The family has continued to gather privately. On Sunday, relatives and close friends were seen arriving at the Los Angeles home of Rob Reiner’s sister, Annie, including Rob’s brother, Lucas Reiner.
Police discovered Rob and Michele Reiner dead in the primary bedroom of their Brentwood, California, home on Dec. 14. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later determined they died from multiple sharp force injuries.
Their son, Nick Reiner, was quickly identified as a person of interest and was arrested later that evening. He was formally charged two days later with two counts of first-degree murder, along with a special circumstance allegation involving multiple murders.
“He also faces a special allegation that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon, that being a knife,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. “These charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.”
Prosecutors have not yet said whether they will seek the death penalty. Hochman noted that the wishes of the family would be considered as the case moves forward.
Nick Reiner made his first court appearance on Dec. 17, speaking only once to confirm he agreed to delay his arraignment. His next court date is scheduled for Jan. 7.
