On Sunday, director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home, with police later arresting their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, and charging him for their murders. Romy Reiner, their 28-year-old daughter, reportedly found her father’s body after a massage therapist had been unable to reach the couple before an appointment. In the wake of their deaths, Romy and her brother, 34-year-old Jake Reiner, released a statement to People on Wednesday.
“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,” the siblings 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.”
“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 statement continued. “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.”
Many celebrities have offered statements of their own over the past few days, including a group of the Reiners’ close friends, among them Billy Crystal, Larry David, and Martin Short. “Strong and determined, Michele and Rob Reiner devoted a great deal of their lives for the betterment of our fellow citizens,” they wrote. “They were a special force together — dynamic, unselfish and inspiring. We were their friends, and we will miss them forever.”
On Wednesday, Nick briefly appeared in court for the first time since he was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. His lawyer, Alan Jackson, said it was “too early” for a plea deal, according to the New York Times, and his arraignment has been scheduled for January 7.