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

The children of slain Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michelle Reiner, are speaking out for the first time since his death and the arrest of their brother Nick.

Jake and Romy Rainer said in a statement Wednesday that they are experiencing “unimaginable pain” after their “terrible and devastating loss.” He did not directly mention the allegations against his brother.

Nick Renner, 32, appeared in court for the first time Wednesday and waived his right to plead to two charges of first-degree murder.

The couple was found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday. The county medical examiner said Wednesday that he died of multiple blunt-force injuries.

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

“The terrible and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michelle Renner, is something no one should have to experience,” Romy and Jake Renner said in a statement to the BBC’s US media partner CBS News. “They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”

He said, “We appreciate the condolences, kindness, and support from family, friends, and people from all walks of life.”

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

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 defence team agreed to postpone his arraignment until January 7, when he will once again have the opportunity to enter a plea.

As he appeared in court, when asked by Judge Theresa McGonigal whether he understood he had the right to a speedy trial, Mr. Rayner simply said, “Yes, your honour.”

The judge earlier ordered the assembled media – who had gathered outside the courthouse hours before the hearing – not to film the defendant, who was wearing a suicide-prevention smock in prison.

Reiner enters during the brief hearing.

The media inside the courtroom could not see Mr Renner during the brief hearing because he sat in a corner out of sight, but later glimpses showed that his face was blank, and his arms were bare and shackled.

He was initially scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday but was not medically cleared to do so, his attorney and prosecutors said.

His lawyer, Alan Jackson, told reporters outside court that there were “complex and serious issues” in the case that needed to be worked out in the coming weeks.

“We ask that during this process, you allow the system to proceed the way it was designed to proceed,” Mr. Jackson told reporters.

“He said that decisions should not be made in haste, nor should conclusions be jumped to, but rather with restraint, dignity, and the respect that this system, this process, and the family deserve.”

A criminal defence lawyer told the BBC after the hearing that Mr. Rayner’s delay in filing the plea may have been designed to buy time for a psychiatric assessment.

Seth Zuckerman said, “Typically psychiatric evaluations are done before arraignment to see if he’s fit to stand trial.”

Until the next hearing on January 7, Mr Renner will remain in custody at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.

If he pleads not guilty, he could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors have said no decision has yet been made about whether the death penalty will be pursued.

Rob Reiner directed a handful of iconic films across a variety of genres, including This Is Spinal Tap, Misery, and A Few Good Men.

Michelle Singer Rainer was an actress, photographer and producer, and the founder of Rainer Light, a photography agency and production company.

LA Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said, “This case is heartbreaking and extremely personal, not only for the Renner family and their loved ones, but for the entire city.”

With additional reporting by Sakshi Venkataraman