United Kingdom, Dec. 20 -- Rob and Michele Reiner "thought they had more time" to help their son Nick.

The renowned director, 78, and his producer wife, 70, were found dead inside their Brentwood, Los Angeles home last week and their son Nick, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

However, friends of the Reiners have insisted the couple were trying to help Nick with his addiction and mental health struggles and the pair never gave up on him.

A source told PEOPLE: "His issues were far, far out of his parents' control. He didn't take [his parents'] help seriously. This was true for years and years.

"They never lost hope in him, even when he was scaring them or making their lives harder.

"Nick had so many good day...