Nardine Saad,Los Angeles and
Regan Morris,Los Angeles
The children of murdered Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his spouse, Michele Reiner, have spoken publicly for the first time following their tragic deaths and the arrest of their sibling, Nick.
Jake and Romy Reiner expressed in a statement on Wednesday their “unimaginable grief” in light of the “horrific and devastating loss”. They refrained from directly addressing the accusations against their brother.
Nick Reiner, 32, made his initial court appearance on Wednesday and forfeited his right to plead to two counts of first-degree murder.
The couple’s bodies were discovered on Sunday at their residence in Los Angeles. The county’s medical examiner stated on Wednesday that they had succumbed to homicide due to multiple sharp force injuries.
Nick Reiner was apprehended on Sunday night and charged with murder on Tuesday.
“The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that should never happen to anyone,” Romy and Jake Reiner remarked in a statement shared with CBS News, the BBC’s US media affiliate. “They were not merely our parents; they were our closest friends.”
“We are thankful for the tremendous outpouring of sympathies, kindness, and support we have received from family, friends, and individuals from all walks of life,” they continued.
The siblings also requested privacy “and for our parents to be cherished for the amazing lives they led and the love they shared”.
Family representatives did not promptly respond to the BBC’s inquiry for comment.
ReutersDuring the hearing in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, prosecutors and Mr. Reiner’s legal team reached an agreement to postpone his arraignment until 7 January, at which point he will be able to plead again.
In court, Mr. Reiner simply responded “yes, your honour” when Judge Theresa McGonigle inquired if he understood his right to a speedy trial.
The judge previously instructed the gathered media—who arrived hours ahead of the hearing—not to film the defendant, who was dressed in a jail suicide-prevention smock.
Members of the media in the courtroom could not view Mr. Reiner during the brief hearing, as he was positioned in a corner out of sight, but subsequent glimpses indicated his expression was blank, with his arms exposed and restrained.
He was originally expected to appear in court on Tuesday; however, his lawyer and prosecutors indicated he had not been cleared medically for that appearance.
His attorney, Alan Jackson, informed reporters outside the court that “complex and serious issues” related to the case require attention in the upcoming weeks.
“We request that during this period, you permit the system to proceed as it was meant to, without rushing to judgment or jumping to conclusions, but with restraint and dignity, and with the respect that this system and process deserve, along with the family,” he said.
The postponement of Mr. Reiner entering a plea may be intended to provide time for a psychiatric assessment, one criminal defense attorney stated to the BBC following the hearing.
“Psychiatric evaluations are generally conducted before arraignment to determine if he is fit to stand trial,” noted Seth Zuckerman.
Getty ImagesUntil the subsequent hearing on 7 January, Mr. Reiner will stay in custody at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.
If he enters a not guilty plea, he may face a life sentence without parole or the death penalty if found guilty. Prosecutors have stated that no decisions have yet been made regarding pursuing the death penalty.
Rob Reiner directed several legendary films across diverse genres, including This is Spinal Tap, Misery, and A Few Good Men.
Michele Singer Reiner was an actress, photographer, and producer, and the founder of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company.
“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not just for the Reiner family and their friends, but for the entire community,” stated LA Police Department chief Jim McDonnell.
With further reporting from Sakshi Venkatraman
