Children of slain Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner are speaking out for the first time after the deaths and the arrest of their brother, Nick.
Jake and Romy Reiner said in a statement on Wednesday that they are experiencing unimaginable pain after the horrific and devastating loss. They did not directly address the allegations against their brother.
Nick Reiner, 32, appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday and waived his right to enter a plea to two charges of first-degree murder.
The couple were found dead on Sunday in their Los Angeles home. The county's medical examiner on Wednesday said they died in a homicide by multiple sharp force injuries.
Nick Reiner was taken into custody that night and 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. They weren't just our parents; they were our best friends.
We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life, they added.
The siblings also asked for privacy and for their parents to 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 the hearing in downtown Los Angeles, prosecutors and Mr. Reiner's defence team agreed to delay his arraignment until January 7, when he will once again have the opportunity to enter a plea.
Mr. Reiner only said yes, your honour when asked by Judge Theresa McGonigle if he understood that he has the right to a speedy trial.
The judge ordered the assembled media not to film the defendant, who was wearing a jail suicide-prevention smock.
His lawyer told reporters outside court that there were complex and serious issues in the case that needed to be worked through in the coming weeks.
Until the next hearing, Mr. Reiner will remain in custody at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles. If he pleads not guilty, he could face life without parole or the death penalty, depending on the outcome of the case.
Rob Reiner directed iconic films across various genres, while Michele was an actress and the founder of a production company. This tragic case has deeply impacted the family and the broader community.
