The children of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele are finding strength in one another as they navigate the horrific aftermath of their parents' alleged murder at the hands of their own brother.
A Family Shattered by Tragedy
Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead in their Los Angeles mansion earlier this month, victims of what authorities have described as a brutal attack. The official cause of death was listed as murder resulting from "multiple sharp force injuries," with reports indicating their throats were cut. The couple's son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with the killings and is currently being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in LA.
The tragedy unfolded after an argument at a party hosted by chat show host Conan O'Brien. It is alleged that Nick, who has a long-documented history of substance abuse and has been in and out of rehab at least 18 times, attended the event because his parents feared leaving him alone. He is also reportedly being treated for schizophrenia.
The Surviving Siblings' Agony
In the wake of the nightmare, the couple's two other children, Jake, 34, and Romy, 28, are leaning on each other for support. A family friend told PEOPLE magazine that the pair share a "strong bond" that has been crucial in the two weeks since the discovery of the bodies. It is believed Romy was the one who discovered her parents after raising the alarm with police, having gone to the property when a booked masseuse could get no answer at the door.
"This nightmare isn't even over for Romy and Jake," the source revealed, referencing the impending murder trial. "There is a lot more to be done, but they've been surrounded by loved ones and support in all forms, and that will continue."
A Plea for Privacy and a Search for Normalcy
Jake and Romy have released a joint statement expressing their "unimaginable pain" and describing their parents as their "best friends." They have asked for respect and privacy, urging the public to temper speculation with compassion. The siblings are attempting to inject a sense of normalcy into their lives by going for walks and running errands in a bid to stave off depression, though a source admits it is "all still so new and overwhelming."
A spokesperson confirmed the siblings are grateful for the outpouring of support and will share details of a memorial service at a later date. The Reiners were well-connected figures in Hollywood, with friends including actor Billy Crystal, who starred in Rob's iconic film When Harry Met Sally.
As Nick Reiner's defence attorney, Alan Jackson, handles procedural matters regarding his client's court appearances, Jake and Romy face the long road of grief and legal proceedings ahead, fortified only by their enduring connection to each other.
