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Nick Reiner had already been diagnosed with schizophrenia before he allegedly stabbed his parents to death in a shocking double murder at the family’s Los Angeles home, as ROLLING STONE can confirm.
Legendary actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, photographer and producer Michele Singer Reiner, died of “multiple stab wounds” in their Brentwood home, according to coroners.
The deaths occurred on December 14th. Nick Reiner, 32, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The public prosecutor’s office names a knife as the suspected murder weapon.
Investigations and medical background
TMZ first reported Nick’s schizophrenia diagnosis. According to sources, Nick was treated at a facility in Los Angeles that specializes in mental illness and substance abuse. A recent change in his medication led to “erratic and dangerous” behavior that his doctors tried to control, the sources said.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the charges also include the special circumstances of several murders with a deadly weapon. This means Nick could face the death penalty if convicted. However, the prerequisite for proceedings would first be that a judge determines his ability to stand trial. Hochman said his office is continuing to consider whether to seek the death penalty. California currently has a moratorium on executions under Governor Gavin Newsom.
Statements from the public prosecutor
Hochman declined to comment on Nick’s possible history of mental illness, aside from his known issues with addiction. “If there is evidence of mental illness, it will be presented in court – to the extent the defense deems appropriate,” he said.
Nick was arrested late Sunday evening near Exposition Park, west of downtown Los Angeles. Hours earlier, his younger sister Romy discovered the crime scene and called for help, Rolling Stone previously confirmed.
Court appearance and defense
Nick appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday. He was wearing a sleeveless blue suicide prevention robe and was tied with a chain around his waist. His prominent defense attorney, former prosecutor Alan Jackson, said it was too early to plead guilty. The reading of the indictment was therefore postponed until next month.
“This is a devastating tragedy that has struck the Reiner family. We all recognize that,” Jackson said outside the courthouse after the hearing. “Our condolences go out to the entire Reiner family. There are very, very complex and serious questions associated with this case. These must be addressed and examined thoroughly but extremely carefully.”
More backgrounds
According to sources, the night before her death, Rob and Michele Reiner asked if they could bring Nick as a guest to Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party. According to statements, Nick exhibited “anti-social behavior” at the party, including intensely staring at other guests.
Rob and Michele Reiner had three children together. On Wednesday, her older son Jake, 34, and Romy, 27, broke their silence and shared their sadness and thanks for their support. “Words cannot begin to describe the unimaginable pain we feel every moment of every day,” they said in a statement obtained by Rolling Stone. “The cruel and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something no one should ever have to experience. They weren’t just our parents, they were our best friends.”
Request of the family
The siblings thanked them for the “wave of condolences.” “We now ask for respect and privacy, that speculation be met with compassion and humanity, and that our parents be remembered for the extraordinary lives they led and the love they gave,” they said.