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Romy and Jake Reiner have issued a poignant statement in the aftermath of their brother Nick’s arrest, linked to the shocking murder of their parents.
The tragedy unfolded when renowned Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were discovered fatally stabbed. Their daughter Romy made the grim discovery at their Los Angeles residence, having gone to check on them between Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
The Reiners’ youngest son, Nick, aged 32, has been taken into custody and faces charges of two counts of first-degree murder. Known to have struggled with drug addiction and mental health issues, his arrest adds another layer of tragedy to the family’s ordeal.
In a heartfelt statement released today, Romy, 27, and her older brother Jake, 34, have expressed their sorrow over the devastating events of the weekend.
“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,” the siblings’ statement reads, capturing the profound grief that has engulfed their lives.
‘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
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.Â
Her roommate called 911 while Romy reached out to her father’s longtime friend Billy Crystal. Â
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’.