Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner’s children — son Jake and daughter Romy — have broken their silence following the tragic deaths of their parents and the arrest of their brother, Nick Reiner.
“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day. The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience,” the statement, released to TMZ on Wednesday, December 17, read. “They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”
The siblings also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received. “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 continued.
The statement concluded with a request for privacy during this intensely difficult time. “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.”
Rob and Michele, who married in May 1989, shared three children: sons Jake, 34, and Nick, 32, and daughter Romy, 27. Rob was also the adoptive father of his late ex-wife Penny Marshall’s daughter, Tracy, 61.
The couple was found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on Sunday, December 14. Nick was later arrested near the University of Southern California and is being held without bail on suspicion of murder after his parents were stabbed.
A spokesperson for the family also released a statement to Variety, saying, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Tracy, too, spoke out, telling NBC News, “I came from the greatest family ever. I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 28: Honoree Rob Reiner poses with family at the 41st Annual Chaplin Award Gala at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on April 28, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Nick’s history of substance abuse and behavioral struggles had previously been public. Sources told Us Weekly that his volatile behavior toward his family was ongoing. “Nick’s problems have been going on for so long, so while everyone is in a state of shock right now, it’s not entirely surprising,” one insider said.
“A lot of his anger was directed at his parents for many, many years,” the source continued. “They did everything a parent could possibly do to help him. Even in his younger years, they really tried to get him help. And then it became a cycle of seeking treatment for him, kicking him out, or him leaving the house, him moving back in. … This went on for years.”
Romy, in particular, was “so traumatized by Nick’s behavior,” the insider added. “She has always been so close with her parents, and watching their constant pain over Nick has impacted her and the whole family so much.”
On Tuesday, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He faces life in prison without parole or the death penalty and appeared in court the following day without entering a plea.
