Those closest to Rob and Michele Reiner may be finding a bittersweet piece of mail. On Monday, their close friend Neda Soderqvist, who was with Michele the day before their murders, shared a handwritten Christmas card she received from them after their death.
Soderqvist shared the image on her Instagram, writing, "Today in the mail was a card from Michele and Rob Reiner!" "Even from heaven, they are still making sure that everyone receives their bonuses," she continued.
Signed by the couple, the card read, "Dear Neda - What can I say after all these years. We love each other, are mad at each other, and then just move on! And it always works out! I hope you have a great day with your family who adore you."
However, once the handwritten card got picked up by outlets, Soderqvist shared a message on her Instagram story slamming them for using her picture. "I posted a beautiful sentiment of Michelle and Rob, and of course, the media stole my greeting card and of course, plastered it all over the news," she wrote. "Please do not utilize my pictures without my permission."
Fans of the famed director and his wife have been mourning their passing, but of course, those closest to them are hurting the most. When news broke, Soderqvist shared a post asking for privacy and respect. She also revealed that she had just spent 5 days with them and had seen Michele the day before.
The next day, she shared another gallery of photos, sharing insight into who they were as a couple. "They're the epitome of selflessness. Known to many from Hollywood, but to me, they’re family. They've been there for my family through thick and thin," she wrote.
"Michele and I were inseparable 5 days a week for 15 years. We brought out the best in each other. Not many know her heart, but I do. Rob and Michele have touched countless lives with their kindness. Any time the kids and I stayed at their Malibu home, they treated us like royalty and showed immense respect to everyone around them," she continued.
Updates on the case
With the world eager for updates on the case, today the Los Angeles Police Department blocked the release of any medical records connected to their deaths as they continue their homicide investigation, per the Hollywood Reporter.
“While the cause and manner of death were previously released in these cases, due to the court order, the information is no longer available. No other case information or records, including the Medical Examiner report, can be released or posted on the website until further notice,” the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office shared in a statement.
Their son Nick Reiner, 32, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder but did not enter a plea at his first court appearance earlier this month. His former arraignment was delayed until January 7 after a request from his attorney, Alan Jackson.
Nick had been diagnosed with schizophrenia some time before the murder and had recently switched his medication, and was acting “erratic and dangerous" in the weeks before, according to TMZ.