Jake Reiner speaks about his parents' murders, brother's arrest and future plans
Eight months after his parents were stabbed to death, Jake Reiner discussed the impact of the killings, his brother's arrest and his work honoring his parents' legacy.
Los Angeles – Jake Reiner, 34, the eldest son of late film director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner, gave his first sit-down interview eight months after the couple were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home. Reiner, who works as a local news reporter, described the period as a "living nightmare" and said each day reminds him of the tragedy.
Reiner said he was away at a celebration of life event in Downtown Los Angeles when his sister Romy called to tell him their father was dead and their mother was missing. He recounted the shock of learning that his younger brother, Nick Reiner, 32, had been taken into custody on two murder charges.
"He's in jail. It's like I physically lost my parents, and then Nick was arrested. Now it's just me and Romy, and we have to navigate this by ourselves," Reiner said.
He noted that, as a reporter, he had covered crime scenes for a decade, but witnessing a crime scene at his childhood home was profoundly unsettling. Reiner expressed anger and frustration at the circumstances, adding that he feels a responsibility to keep his parents' memory alive.
The siblings made a public appearance on Aug. 2 at Dodger Stadium, throwing the ceremonial first pitch in honor of their father’s love of the team. Reiner said the event provided a moment of peace.
Jake Reiner is now working with the Children’s Institute, an organization supported by his parents, where his aunt Martine Singer serves as president and CEO. He will attend the institute’s Cape & Gown Gala on Nov. 8 in place of his late parents and will help present the inaugural Rob and Michele Reiner Champion for Change Award to actress Jamie Lee Curtis.
"I don't necessarily know that I have this weight on my shoulders to carry on their legacy, but I feel responsible for making sure people know them and they remember them," he said.
Reiner declined to discuss his relationship with his brother or comment on the ongoing legal proceedings, noting he has not spoken with Nick since the arrests. He emphasized his focus on supporting his sister, assisting his aunt and processing his grief while acknowledging that many others experience similar loss.
"The worst kind of grief is your own because you're the one living through it," Reiner said.