Hundreds Gather at Service for Slain Girl : Crime: The child’s suspected killer receives a three-week delay in his arraignment. His attorney says his client did not murder the 8-year-old.

Nicole Parker’s brother sobbed and told mourners at her memorial service Wednesday that his “life has no meaning,” just hours after the second-grader’s alleged molester and killer appeared in court for the first time with an attorney who insisted that his client did not murder the girl.

Hooman Ashkan Panah, 22, shuffled into Van Nuys Municipal Court on Wednesday morning looking haggard in his jail-issued jumpsuit as his lawyer requested--and received--a three-week delay in the Woodland Hills man’s arraignment on charges of kidnaping, child molestation, sodomy and murder.

A short time later, hundreds of friends and family members of his alleged victim crowded into Our Lady of Grace Church in Encino to honor the memory of Nicole, a happy 8-year-old from Tarzana who loved to act, draw and play softball.

“My sister Nicole was my inspiration. She taught me how to be happy, how to share, how to smile,” said an emotion-racked Travis Parker, at 17 a high school senior and the adopted girl’s eldest brother. “When I was really down and not feeling good, I could always walk to my sister’s room and see her smile and know everything would work itself out. I feel now since my sister is gone, I am alone and my life has no meaning.”

Many of those in the pews wept and prayed as they gazed at the small white casket with gold trim that was carried to the church doors by pallbearers, including two of Nicole’s brothers. Her youngest brother, Casey, 9, walked in front of the casket, head bowed. Their parents, Edward and Lori Parker--though formally separated--sat together and embraced in consolation. Several police officers, some in uniform, were clearly moved.

The tragedy began last Saturday when the youngster vanished from outside her father’s Woodland Hills apartment. Her body was found late Sunday stuffed into a suitcase hidden in Panah’s bedroom closet, in the apartment directly across the complex courtyard from where Edward Parker lived. Prosecutors say the girl had been sodomized and choked and had a bump on her head, but they have so far declined to pinpoint the exact cause of death.

Panah, his hair unkempt and his chin unshaven, mostly kept his eyes averted as he appeared before Judge Leland B. Harris for arraignment on charges that include three special circumstances, each of which could result in the death penalty. Harris granted attorney Milton Kerlan Jr.’s request that the proceeding be delayed until Dec. 14.

Although the attorney has yet to be fully briefed on the case, Kerlan said Wednesday that “the information I have is that (Panah) did not murder the girl.” He declined to elaborate.

Kerlan said Panah’s family is “distraught. . . . Everyone’s anguishing a great deal.”

Anguish was evident on the faces of those who gathered to remember Nicole, who was four months shy of her ninth birthday.

“When my parents chose to adopt Nicole, they got the most beautiful little girl in the whole world, and I love her dearly,” said her brother, Travis, who broke down and wept.

“I don’t think Nicole ever learned how to defend herself,” Travis said. “ . . . I know she is someplace where all is good.”

Chu is a Times staff writer. Glover and Mrozek are special correspondents.