ROB REINER AND Michele Singer Reiner’s two other children have spoken out about the murder of their parents, thanking people for their support and asking for privacy.

Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of the famous filmmaker, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder after Rob (78) and Michele (68) were found dead from apparent stab wounds in their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, on Sunday.

The medical examiner’s initial findings determined the manner of death to be “homicide”, according to new records released on Wednesday.

In a statement first carried by CBS News, the couple’s two other children – Jake and Romy – said that they were experiencing “unimaginable pain” following the deaths of their parents.

“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,” the pair said in a statement.

“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.

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.

‘Homicide’

According to records released by the LA County medical examiner, the Reiners died of “multiple sharp force injuries”.

The office said more investigation was needed before further details to be disclosed publicly, but that both bodies were ready to be released to the family.

It comes after Nick appeared in court yesterday wearing what appeared to be a suicide prevention vest and spoke only to say “Yes, your honour” to agree to the date of his arraignment, US publications reported.

He has not entered a plea and did not appear in court on Tuesday as expected because of unspecified health reasons, according to Nick’s solicitor, Alan Jackson.

His case was scheduled for a 7 January arraignment. Jackson previously represented disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein during a Los Angeles trial as well as US actor Kevin Spacey.

Outside the court, he said the circumstances around the situation were complex and urged the public “not with a rush to judgment, not with jumping to conclusions”.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Los Angeles district attorney Nathan Hochman said no decision had been made on whether to seek the death penalty in the case.

Rob Reiner was one of the most prolific directors in Hollywood and his work includes some of the most memorable films of the 1980s and 1990s, including This Is Spinal Tap, A Few Good Men, When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride.

With reporting from Press Association