A Cabinet Minister related to a former Auckland Grammar student charged with first-degree murder in the United States is describing the situation as "sad and difficult".
New Zealander Clinton Thinn, 29, is being held at the George Bailey Detention Facility in San Diego, California, says the San Diego Sheriff's Department website.
He is charged with attempted robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a loaded firearm and first-degree murder.
If convicted, Thinn faces a minimum of 25 years in prison or the death penalty.
Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye, who returned to Parliament last month after a cancer scare, today said family members were distressed by the bleak developments.
Kaye's mother has been in a long-term relationship with Thinn's father.
"This is a difficult and sad time for all those affected by what has happened.
"As this is before the courts I will not be commenting further," Kaye said.