The children of the late Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, have issued their first statement following their parents’ deaths and the arrest of their brother, Nick Reiner, in connection with the case.
Jake and Romy Reiner expressed experiencing “unimaginable pain” in a statement released Wednesday, describing the loss as “horrific and devastating.”
While not directly addressing the allegations against their brother, they requested privacy and respect, urging “speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity.”
Nick Reiner, 32, made his initial court appearance on Wednesday, waiving his right to enter a plea to two counts of first-degree murder. The couple was discovered deceased in their Los Angeles home on Sunday.
He was taken into custody that evening and formally charged with murder on Tuesday.
“The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience,” Romy and Jake Reiner said in a statement provided to CBS News, the BBC’s US media partner. “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,” they added.
The siblings also requested privacy “and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.”
Representatives for the family have not yet responded to the BBC’s request for comment.
During Wednesday’s hearing in downtown Los Angeles, prosecutors and Mr. Reiner’s defense team agreed to postpone his arraignment until January 7, at which time he will have another opportunity to enter a plea.
When asked by Judge Theresa McGonigle if he understood his right to a speedy trial, Mr. Reiner simply responded, “yes, your honor.”
The judge had previously instructed the assembled media, who gathered outside the courthouse hours before the hearing, not to film the defendant, who was wearing a jail suicide-prevention smock.
Media present inside the courtroom were unable to see Mr. Reiner during the brief hearing due to his placement in a corner out of sight, but glimpses afterward revealed a blank expression on his face, with his arms bare and shackled.
He was originally scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, but his lawyer and prosecutors stated he had not been medically cleared to do so.
His lawyer, Alan Jackson, informed reporters outside the courthouse that there were “complex and serious issues” in the case that would require attention in the coming weeks.
“We ask that during this process, you allow the system to move forward in the way that it was designed to move forward,” Mr. Jackson told reporters.
“Not with a rush to judgement, not with jumping to conclusions, but with restraint and with dignity, and with the respect that this system and this process deserves, and that the family deserves,” he said.
One criminal defense lawyer suggested to the BBC after the hearing that the delay in Mr. Reiner entering a plea might be to allow time for a psychiatric evaluation.
“The psychiatric evaluation is generally done before arraignment to see if he is even fit to stand trial,” Seth Zuckerman said.
Mr. Reiner will remain in custody at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles until his next hearing on January 7.
If he pleads not guilty and is convicted, he could face a sentence of life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Prosecutors have stated that no decision has been made regarding whether the death penalty will be pursued.
Rob Reiner directed several iconic films across a variety of genres, including This is Spinal Tap, Misery, and A Few Good Men.
Michele Singer Reiner was an actress, photographer, and producer, as well as the founder of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company.
“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for the entire city,” said LA Police Department chief Jim McDonnell.
With additional reporting from Sakshi Venkatraman
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