Family breaks silence as Rob Reiner’s son Nick faces court on murder charges

The children of slain Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner are speaking out for the first time following the death and arrest of their brother Nick Reiner in the case.

Jack and Romi Renner said in a statement Wednesday that they are experiencing “unimaginable pain” following a “horrible and devastating loss.”

They asked for privacy and respect and to “moderate speculation with compassion and humanity,” but did not directly address the allegations against their brother.

Nick Reiner, 32, made his first court appearance Wednesday and waived his right to contest two first-degree murder charges. The couple were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday.

Nick Renner was taken into custody that night and charged with murder on Tuesday.

“Our parents, Rob and Michelle Renner, have suffered a terrible and devastating loss, something no one should have to experience,” Romy and Jack Renner said in a statement provided to BBC America media partner CBS News. “They were more than just our parents; they were our best friends.”

They added: “We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness and support from family and friends and people from all walks of life.”

The siblings also asked for privacy “and ask that our parents be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.”

Family representatives did not immediately respond to the BBC’s request for comment.

At a hearing in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, prosecutors and Mr. Renner’s defense team agreed to postpone his arraignment until Jan. 7, when he would have a chance to enter his plea again.

When Renner took the stand, he said only “Yes, your honor” when Judge Theresa McGonigal asked him if he understood he was entitled to a speedy trial.

The judge earlier ordered a gathering of media gathered outside the courthouse hours before the hearing not to photograph the defendant, who was wearing prison suicide prevention overalls.

During the brief hearing, the media inside the courtroom could not see Mr. Reyna because he was seated in an invisible corner, but a glance afterwards showed him expressionless and with his arms bare and handcuffed.

He was initially scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday but has not yet received medical clearance, his attorneys and prosecutors said.

His lawyer, Alan Jackson, told reporters outside court that the case had “complex and serious issues” that would need to be resolved in the coming weeks.

“We are asking that during this process the system is allowed to move forward in the way it was designed,” Mr Jackson told reporters.

“Not rushing to judgment, not jumping to conclusions, but maintaining restraint and dignity and the respect that this system and this process deserves, and the respect that this family deserves,” he said.

A criminal defense lawyer told the BBC after the hearing that the delay in entering a plea may have been to allow time for a psychiatric assessment.

“A psychiatric evaluation is typically done before an arraignment to determine whether he is fit to stand trial,” Seth Zuckerman said.

Mr. Renner 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, he could be sentenced to life in prison without parole or, if convicted, the death penalty. Prosecutors said no decision had been made on whether to impose the death penalty.

Rob Reiner has directed a number of iconic films across genres, including “It’s a Spinal Tap,” “Misery,” and “A Good Man.”

Michele Singer Reiner is an actor, photographer and producer, and the founder of photography agency and production company Reiner Light.

“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not just for the Renner family and their loved ones, but for the entire city,” Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonald said.

Additional reporting by Sakshi Venkatraman